Seine-et-Marne Holiday Guide
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Seine-et-Marne - something for everyone
Seine-et-Marne is a department of multiple and diverse attractions. From its natural heritage and the historical and architectural heritage of its towns, to the more modern pleasures of theme parks and state of the art leisure facilities, Seine-et-Marne has something wonderful to offer to everyone.
Top 5 things to see and do in Seine-et-Marne
1. Disneyland
If you have children you will not be allowed to spend time in the Seine-et-Marne department and not pay at least a day visit to Disneyland. A day (or better still, a holiday) is every child's dream, and it isn't just the kids who are bowled over by this most sophisticated and magnificent of theme parks. The attractions within the Disney centre appeal to younger and older children and even to "children" of forty or fifty too! The park is found at Marne la Vallée, and includes hotels of all styles, with tariffs to suit all pockets, restaurants and fast food outlets, shops and entertainment.
2. Learn about the history of the area
The town of Fontainebleau has a name that resonates with history, and it really is a must see as part of any holiday in this department. Visit the fabulous chateau, explore the forest and touch a little of the past of this important region.
3. Venice of the Brie
Take a boat trip to discover even more of the Seine-et-Marne. Known as the Venice of the Brie, the area round the town of Crécy la Chapelle is a network of waterways which allows you to peacefully cruise on the ultimate relaxing discovery tour.
4. Tour creameries
Brie is often said to be one of France's finest and best loved cheeses, and some of the greatest Bries of all come from the Seine-et-Marne. Cheese lovers can take guided tours of the creameries that produce this delicious cheese, and enjoy a unique tasting session afterwards.
5. Go designer shopping
Marne la Vallée has a fantastic shopping centre, packed with designer clothes at rock bottom prices that is sure to appeal to many of the ladies of the holiday party. While the ladies are shopping, the gentlemen can play golf nearby.
Top 5 towns and cities in Seine-et-Marne
1. Melun
Melun is the Seine-et-Marne's capital city. It sits in the west of the department, on a bend in the River Seine. It's an attractive and historic river port town, and an interesting stopping point on the Paris to Burgundy river tours. Sights include the chateau, the mediaeval town buildings and the aeronautical museum.
2. Meaux
A town for foodies, Meaux is famed and revered for its fabulous Meaux mustard and Meaux brie cheese. It would be worth visiting for these alone, but Meaux also happens to beautiful, historic and packed with interest.
3. Fontainebleau
One of the department's most famous historic towns, Fontainebleau fascinates its visitors on a number of counts. It is set beside the glorious Fontainebleau Forest, offering the opportunity to enjoy nature at its stunning best and to engage in outdoor activities ranging from walking to cycling and horse-riding, and it also has one of the most important chateaux of the region, the Château de Fontainebleau. The town has a long military history, great museums and excellent facilities for tourists, with good hotels, superb restaurants and leisure other facilities.
4. Provins
More heritage awaits you in the lovely mediaeval town of Provins. It is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, guaranteeing you a fascinating visit. Provins has well maintained mediaeval walls and towers to see, and an ambience that enchants all its visitors. In addition to its historic and architectural attractions, Provins has an unusual gastronomic treat to present. It is a town that produces beautiful roses, then turns them into edible treats such as rose honey and rose petal jam.
5. Crécy la Chapelle
Crécy la Chapelle is a gorgeous mediaeval town that is the starting point for enjoyable boat tours that take you around the many waterways of this area, which is often called the Venice of the Brie. It isn't just the water that is the focal point of Crécy, though, as the town itself retains many lovely period features, with buildings and streets of great historic interest.
Food and drink in Seine-et-Marne
There is no doubt that anyone who enjoys exceptional food and drink will be very happy to spend a holiday in the Seine-et-Marne. This department is the proud producer of delights such as Brie cheeses, Meaux mustard, rose petal confitures and even champagne, as the official champagne region extends into the Seine-et-Marne. The towns of the Seine-et-Marne offer up a wealth of gastronomic attractions, with chances to take tours of the creameries that produce the famed cheeses, tastings of unusual edible rose-based products and tours and tastings from the champagne houses. There is also no shortage of great restaurants, backed up by just about every other kind of eatery you can imagine from McDonald's to pizzerias.
How to get to Seine-et-Marne
Seine-et-Marne is close to Paris, so there is no problem in arriving in the department from the UK. Paris has airports and TGV stations, and it is simple to travel on to your destination from the capital by train or by car.
