Long overlooked or underestimated, the Seine-et-Marne département offers an incredible wealth of exceptional natural sites, including the famous Fontainebleau forest, the Loing river and its bucolic walks, and a wealth of heritage treasures including castles and picturesque villages. It's the perfect département for a change of scenery, away from the hustle and bustle of Parisian traffic, just to take a breath of fresh air.
The department's jewels include a number of châteaux, such as Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, distinguished by its Renaissance architecture and magnificent gardens. The department is also home to the medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the Middle Ages with its ramparts, mysterious underground passages and chivalry shows. Seine-et-Marne also boasts a number of fascinating museums, including the Great War Museum and the Longueville Railway Museum...
For family outings, Seine-et-Marne is full of fun and educational activities to do with the kids. Of course, Disneyland Paris is a must, with rides combining magic and adventure. For nature and animal lovers, the Lumigny Safari Reserve offers a close-up look at an impressive variety of big cats in a natural setting. And that's just a taste of what's on offer for the whole family in the département!
Heritage, cultural outings & walks



Stag and hen parties, paintball near Paris: Loisirs Prod’s outdoor activities with a promo code
Sponsored - Looking for a bachelor or bachelorette party idea near Paris? With paintball, outdoor escape games and adventure challenges, Loisirs Prod is betting on outdoor group activities to deliver adrenaline and fun. Bonus: enjoy 10% off activities with code LPSAP. [Read more]



Seine-et-Marne: the guinguette — a riverside terrace on the Loing with a view of the medieval castle has reopened.
La Terrasse du Moulin de Nemours, an open-air guinguette-terrace on the banks of the Loing, has reopened for the 2026 season in Seine-et-Marne. A bar, an open-air food market and views of the medieval castle await you. [Read more]



Disney Village in May 2026: concerts and activities for a night out near Disneyland Paris
Disney Village is buzzing with live concerts and free happenings near Disneyland Paris, offering music nights and festive events to discover throughout May 2026. Check out the lineup! [Read more]



The first medieval marathon of Seine-et-Marne: course and date!
On Sunday, May 10, 2026, lace up for the brand-new Seine-et-Marne Medieval Marathon, running from Blandy-lès-Tours to Provins for nearly 42 extraordinary kilometers through villages that feel straight out of the Middle Ages! [Read more]



So, Let's Dance: the family-friendly dance festival featuring performances and initiation sessions in Fontainebleau (77)
From May 19 to 24, 2026, the Théâtre Municipal de Fontainebleau transforms into a sprawling open-air dance floor for the fourth edition of "Alors, on danse ?". The festival invites kids and grown-ups alike to explore movement and dive into dance, blending performances with relaxed, beginner-friendly workshops. [Read more]



Rendezvous at the Gardens 2026 at the Château de Fontainebleau (77): an XXL program at the heart of the royal residence
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to explore its magnificent gardens from June 5 to 7, 2026, on the occasion of Rendez-vous aux Jardins, an event that blends art, nature, and heritage. Discover the programme! [Read more]



These Japanese gardens in Seine-et-Marne reveal their program for the 2026 Rendez-Vous with the Gardens.
Les Rendez-vous aux jardins, this event that shines a light on and opens the doors to France’s finest gardens, will take place from June 5 to 7, 2026. We’ll seize the chance to explore the Japanese garden of Favières in Seine-et-Marne, a hidden gem on the edge of a forest that promises a surprisingly immersive escape. [Read more]



The Saint-Hilliers educational farm, for a family outing near Provins
Less than ten kilometers from the medieval town of Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne region, in the hamlet of Savigny, in Saint-Hilliers, there's an educational farm where many furry and feathered residents live. It's the perfect opportunity to discover them on a day out with the kids! [Read more]



Château Soubiran's free educational farm, a bucolic interlude near Melun (77)
Just a few kilometers from Melun, in the Seine-et-Marne town of Dammarie-les-Lys, you'll find Château Soubiran and its large park, home to a small educational farm. [Read more]



This medieval town, designated a Village of Character in Île-de-France, hides a wealth of treasures.
We head to Seine-et-Marne (77), less than an hour from Paris, to discover Nemours, a medieval town awarded the Village of Character label, tucked into the meanders of the Loing and rich with a heritage to explore year-round. The castle, museums and a sublime church make up a remarkable ensemble to discover. [Read more]



Avon'Ânes, stroll and stroke donkeys just a stone's throw from Fontainebleau station
In the beautiful Domaine de Bel Ebat, the Avon'Ânes association cares for rescued donkeys and invites you to go for a ride with them. [Read more]



Night of Museums 2026 at Bourron-Marlotte Town Hall–Museum (77): a family-friendly program
The Night of Museums arrives on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France. In Seine-et-Marne, the Bourron-Marlotte Town Hall Museum unveils its program for this 22nd nocturnal edition! [Read more]



A romantic boat ride on the Carp Pond, a stunning basin teeming with carp.
The splendid garden of the Château de Fontainebleau features one of the region’s premier spots: the Carp Pond, this stunning place where boating is the main pastime. [Read more]



In Seine-et-Marne, an after-dark encounter with vanished monsters for the 2026 Night of Museums.
For this 22nd edition of the Night of Museums, the Musée Espace Gaïa in Montereau-Fault-Yonne (77) invites visitors to a plunge into the heart of prehistory during a special after-hours event this Saturday, May 23, 2026. Here’s what the program has in store! [Read more]



Château-Musée de Nemours : discover this little-known medieval fortress, a unique gem in Île-de-France
Rare urban medieval castle in Île-de-France, the Château-Musée de Nemours reopened its doors this April with the exhibition "Paysages d'eau" ("Water Landscapes"), just a stone's throw from the Loing, its free-access gardens, and a Natura 2000–listed island. It’s the transportive discovery that’s well worth the detour. [Read more]



Seine-et-Marne: this Royal Garden, listed as a Remarkable Garden, unfolds its sublime rhododendrons with free admission
In Seine-et-Marne, the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau are in full bloom this spring 2026, showcasing their rhododendron beds. A 130-hectare royal park, listed as a Remarkable Garden, free to enter—you can run, you can dash around (and you can picnic). [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids



The DalMago guinguette, a friendly, festive spot on the banks of the Marne, at La Ferté-sous-Jouarre (77).
Located on the banks of the Marne in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, the DalMago guinguette offers a festive, gourmet menu in fine weather. [Read more]



Le Trottoir, the home-made gourmet bistro in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre (77)
With its bistro atmosphere and homemade menu, Le Trottoir welcomes you for lunch or dinner in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre. [Read more]



Wonderwoods: the immersive restaurant in the heart of the enchanted forest at Val d'Europe (77)
Ephemera's immersive restaurant in Val d'Europe, Seine-et-Marne, is set in an enchanted forest. In a magical setting, Wonderwoods combines themed dishes, magical creatures and colorful fireflies, for a taste experience that borders on the spectacular. [Read more]



La Folie Barbizon, the hotel and restaurant reborn between art and nature
In Barbizon, the legendary painters' village on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest in Seine-et-Marne, La Folie Barbizon is reborn with panache. A hotel, an artistic residence and a locavore restaurant, this unique hybrid place weaves a subtle link between past and present. We set out to discover this unique place where each room, linked to an artist, now tells its own story. [Read more]



Fontainebleau: La Demeure Les Aiglons, a charming setting with swimming pool and spa
Looking for a charming bed & breakfast just a stone's throw from the Château de Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne (77)? We've tested Demeure Les Aiglons, a treasure trove of spacious rooms with swimming pool and SPA, perfect for a stay between heritage and forest. [Read more]



Bo Ranch, the huge restaurant-bar and reining venue unique in the Fontainebleau region
At La Chapelle-la-Reine, just a few minutes from Fontainebleau in the Seine-et-Marne region, Bo Ranch immerses you in an authentic western atmosphere. Europe's largest ranch, this unique venue combines a convivial restaurant-bar with a venue for reining competitions, all in a natural setting. An ideal getaway to enjoy tasty cuisine, admire horses in action and share warm moments, whether you're with family, friends or even lovers. [Read more]



Luwei brunch café, the nugget coffee shop in Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau welcomes Luwei Brunch Café, a new address for coffee and brunch lovers. A veritable nugget of homemade dishes and delicacies in a spacious old farmhouse atmosphere, complete with fireplace, we love it. [Read more]



Moxy Paris Val d'Europe: our discovery of the experiential hotel in Val d'Europe
Discover Moxy Paris Val d'Europe, Marriott Bonvoy's experiential hotel, just a stone's throw from Disneyland and La Vallée Village shopping center. A playful design establishment with connected rooms and friendly spaces, perfect for families and business travelers alike. [Read more]



Bistrot 51: bistronomy invites itself to the Moxy Paris Val d'Europe hotel
Bistrot 51 is the new bistronomic restaurant at the Moxy Paris Val d'Europe hotel, where chef Grégory Foussier-Chavigny revisits the classics of French cuisine with audacity and refinement. A convivial venue just a stone's throw from Disneyland and Vallée Village. [Read more]



Grand Magic Hotel, Europe's first immersive hotel in the Paris region
The Grand Magic Hotel is Europe's first immersive hotel, no less! The good news is that this unusual address is coming to the Paris region, right next to Disneyland Paris in Seine-et-Marne. [Read more]
Zoos and aquariums



Parrot World: Île-de-France’s immersive wildlife park unveils exciting updates for 2026
Parrot World, an animal park dedicated to South American wildlife, located in Crécy-la-Chapelle, Seine-et-Marne, will open its doors on February 7, 2026. If you haven't yet visited this zoological park, you'll soon have the chance to see jaguars, penguins, and vibrant parrots flying freely in one of Europe's largest aviaries. The park also offers lodge accommodations, allowing visitors to stay close to the animals. A captivating and ethical destination, it's a spot that delights both children and adults alike. [Read more]



A journey to discover wildlife from around the world, at Bois d'Attilly Zoo (77)
In the Seine-et-Marne department, in Férolles-Attilly, a vast wildlife reserve welcomes visitors on sunny days to discover fauna from all corners of the world. Tigers, giraffes, savannah creatures, and other wild species roam within a protected space. [Read more]



A budget-friendly animal park, featuring donkeys, ducks, goats and pigs... in Roissy-en-Brie (77)
Near Roissy-en-Brie, in Seine-et-Marne, a small animal park welcomes you and your children from Tuesday to Sunday, 2pm to 6pm, for an afternoon of immersion on the farm. [Read more]



Dive into the heart of our oceans at the Sea Life aquarium in the Val d'Europe shopping center.
In Val d'Europe, the Sea Life aquarium will reopen its doors on May 19, 2021, plunging visitors into the heart of the marine world while raising awareness of the need to preserve biodiversity. [Read more]



Lumigny Safari Reserve (77) opens a "Far North" area with polar bears
Lumigny Safari Reserve has been welcoming new residents since spring 2025: welcome to the Grand Nord area, designed to house and protect certain species of Arctic fauna. [Read more]



Edentera, the exotic educational farm at Isles-les-Meldeuses (77)
Walking around Paris and the Île-de-France region with children, the educational farms so [Read more]
Amusement parks and fairgrounds



Disneyland Paris in 2026: Seasons, Shows, New Attractions… Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Disneyland Paris unveils its 2026 schedule, featuring themed seasons, captivating shows, new attractions, and a host of exciting updates planned throughout the year. From highlight events and performances to dining, accommodations, and unforgettable experiences—here’s a comprehensive overview of what visitors can look forward to! [Read more]



Amusement Park Games: Action Game Celebrates Fairground Fun at Koezio Centers in Île-de-France
In Cergy and at Carré Sénart, the Koezio centers have launched Funfair Games: The Challenges of Archibald, an immersive indoor action game lasting one hour. Teams of 2 to 5 players take on challenges inspired by 1930s amusement parks. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this indoor leisure activity in Île-de-France combines agility, memory, and teamwork. [Read more]
Sports outings



Sainte Assise Aventure, the tree-climbing site near Melun (77)
About 35 kilometers south of Paris lies one of Île-de-France's oldest treetop adventure parks. A forest of century-old oaks spread across no less than 12 hectares offers a stunning setting for sport and leisure. Sainte Assise Aventure is equipped with 10 treetop courses, totaling 183 elements, and will reopen on March 1, 2026! [Read more]



Accrocamp Jablines, the accrobranche park on the island of Jablines-Anet (77)
On Jablines Island, in the Seine-et-Marne department, Accrocamp invites visitors of all ages to spend a day on its adventure courses. After a winter closure, the reopening is planned for April 1, 2026. Ready to go? Climb! [Read more]



Chichoune Accroforest, the tree-climbing course near Lésigny (77)
Are you looking for fun forest courses to entertain both kids and grown-ups? Chichoune Accroforest is for you. A true green oasis to get some fresh air and swing like Tarzan in total freedom, reopening in spring 2026 on Wednesday, April 1, after a winter closure. [Read more]



Jumping Forest: The fun-filled treetop adventure course in the woods of Seine-et-Marne (77)
At Chenoise in Seine-et-Marne, Jumping Forest offers eight treetop courses suitable for all ages, featuring zip lines and daring free-falls. The outdoor adventure park kicks off its 2026 season on March 26. [Read more]



Canoe and kayak excursions around the historic Menier chocolate factory in Seine-et-Marne (77)
Feel like taking to the open sea? In the heart of the Marne Valley, the Torcy Canoe Kayak Association offers beautiful, bucolic river trips along the Marne in a verdant setting. [Read more]



Skywalls, the indoor climbing and tree-climbing park in Saint-Mard (77)
The Saint-Mard shopping center in Seine-et-Marne features a large indoor sports hall, with 500 m² dedicated to accrobranche and bouldering! [Read more]



Nolimit Aventure park in Nemours: accrobranche, paintball and thrills galore
Discover Parc Nolimit Aventure in Nemours, the ideal place to enjoy outdoor sports activities in the Paris region. [Read more]
Parks and gardens



The Château de Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens, a fabulous estate in Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 50 km from Paris, is one of the jewels of the Île-de-France region: its beauty even inspired the Château de Versailles. Come and visit this French heritage treasure, and its gardens, which offer great walks and activities for children. [Read more]



In Chessy, a surprising walk in the Dhuys sculpture garden
Looking for nature and art? Head off to an undiscovered spot some forty kilometers from Paris, to discover original sculptures scattered across the landscape. [Read more]



Le jardin de l'Île, a bucolic park on the banks of the Marne in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre (77)
Along the banks of the Marne, the Jardin de l'Ile offers a soothing, bucolic stroll. [Read more]



Parc Saint-Aubin, a large city park ideal for walks and fishing, in Samoreau (77)
Close to Vulaines-sur-Seine, in the small village of Samoreau, the Parc Saint-Aubin offers a picturesque stroll through a natural area on the banks of the Seine. [Read more]



Le Jardin Bossuet, a bucolic park overlooking Meaux cathedral (77)
During a stopover near Meaux, in the Seine-et-Marne département, opt for a stroll through the Bossuet garden, right in the center of town. [Read more]



Les Jardins Japonais de Favières, the free Zen garden park (visit by appointment)
The Jardins Japonais de Favières, located in Seine-et-Marne, opens the doors to a 7,000m2 cultural and ecological space. We set off to discover this haven of peace, embodying Japanese art and tradition. These gardens, in perpetual progress, offer spaces of serenity and reflection that you're sure to love. Visits must be booked in advance. [Read more]
Current activities



Hiking: our favorite routes and circuits in the Fontainebleau massif and forest (77)
In Seine-et-Marne, the Fontainebleau massif is a must for hikers, so we've selected our favorite itineraries in this natural corner of the Île-de-France region. [Read more]



Paris-Meaux by bike: 50 kilometers along the Canal de l'Ourcq to reach the Brie region
We've heard of Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Brest, but not yet Paris-Meaux. And yet the race is accessible to all levels, including complete beginners, and allows you to start from the capital's cycle paths. [Read more]



La ferme de la Mercy: camping, animal discovery and local produce in Chenoise (77)
Near Chenoise, in the Seine-et-Marne département, Ferme de la Mercy is a small family business run by Jean-Claude and Sylvie Cackaert. [Read more]