Le Morbras

Have you ever been curious about a small, unassuming river that flows through a bustling city? The Morbras is one such ribbon of water, silently winding its way through the suburbs of Paris. It may not be as grand as the Seine, but it plays a vital role in the region’s history and ecosystem. The Morbras originates in the Seine-et-Marne region and makes its way through the Val-de-Marne, finally reaching the Marne River at Bonneuil-sur-Marne. It has been mentioned in documents as far back as the 1736 Carte de Cassini. Sadly, the Morbras has often been overlooked in favor of larger projects and viewed primarily as a risk for flooding. You can see how this little river has been overlooked when you look at maps; it’s rarely a feature. However, the Morbras reminds us that even the smallest streams can have a big impact. It was once a valuable source of power for watermills and later, even used for laundering clothes. In Pontault-Combault, there is the Fontaine de la Bergeronnette which provides water for the grounds of a nearby park. Today, even though the Morbras is often hidden underground, it still provides a natural haven for wildlife and plants. So keep your eyes open for this unassuming river as you wander through the less heralded parts of Paris. It might be small, but it’s a reminder of nature’s resilience in the face of urban sprawl.