Breathing, between land and water
The department of Seine-et-Marne, the green "lung" of the Île-de-France region, boasts a number of beautiful, vast wooded areas, including the Fontainebleau massif. Covering some 25,000 ha, this is the region's largest state-owned forest. Internationally renowned for its varied landscapes, sandstone boulders, rock engravings and climbing crags, it is home to a remarkable biodiversity. Other forests also offer a multitude of outdoor activities, including walks along picturesque paths in the heart of unspoilt natural landscapes that can be enjoyed all year round. The Crécy forest, for example, is full of charms. Although less well known than Fontainebleau, it features undulating landscapes, wetlands and a wide variety of plant species: a pleasant place to stroll, with shady paths, clearings and tracks leading to beautiful panoramas over the Grand Morin valley. To the south of Marne-la-Vallée, the Ferrières forest is just as beautiful, renowned for its majestic oak avenues, ponds and wetlands. Finally, in the south-east of the département, the Sénart state forest, bordering the Yerres valley, includes numerous areas ideal for hiking and discovering nature. Home to a wide variety of flora, it is a precious refuge for many bird species. The département also boasts a number of natural areas protected for their ecological and landscape value. The Episy peat marsh, a biodiversity hotspot known to botanists since the 18th century for its rich flora and dragonflies, is an enchanting place. Its facilities include a pontoon, a bike park, a viewpoint over the pond and access for people with reduced mobility. The îles de Chelles regional nature reserve, located in the communes of Chelles, Gournay-sur-Marne and Vaires-sur-Marne, encompasses river islands, oxbows of the Marne and wetlands. It is an important site for biodiversity, particularly migratory birds. The Grand-Voyeux regional nature reserve includes islands, shores and a wide variety of natural habitats, including wet meadows, reedbeds and wooded areas reminiscent of the Baie de Somme landscape. It's a haven for numerous plant and animal species. In the south of the département, visitors can also explore the Bassée regional nature reserve. Made up of flood meadows, reedbeds, woodlands and wetlands, it is home to numerous species of birds, mammals and amphibians. The Parc naturel régional du Gâtinais français, mainly located in the Essonne department, encroaches on the Seine-et-Marn region. It features varied landscapes, picturesque villages, remarkable natural sites and a multitude of plant and animal species. Seine-et-Marne is also home to numerous parks and gardens, such as Parc des Capucins in Coulommiers, Parc Culturel de Rentilly, Jardin du Point du Jour in Verdelot and many others. These forests, gardens and reserves are ideal for outdoor activities all year round: hiking, horse-riding, cycling, tree-climbing and even sylvotherapy! Numerous signposted trails throughout the region allow you to explore the forests and countryside. A paradise for budding botanists, lovers of wild plant-based cuisine, picture hunters and even stag bellowers! They allow you to discover the richness and magic of nature while limiting your ecological footprint. A number of themed tours offered by the Département highlight this biodiversity and its beauty. These initiatives go hand in hand with green, environmentally-friendly accommodation options, such as rural gîtes, bed & breakfasts in the heart of nature, ecological campsites and even unusual accommodation (yurts, etc.). A number of local associations and organizations offer educational activities and events to raise visitors' awareness of the importance of preserving nature, biodiversity and architectural heritage (washhouses, mills, fountains, farms, castles, etc.). These can include guided tours of nature reserves, or meetings with local players committed to protecting the environment and historical heritage. These treasures are complemented by river tourism, which guarantees a unique experience for those wishing to explore the region from its waterways. While the banks of the Seine are teeming with opportunities for leisurely strolls, Seine-et-Marne is also a popular destination for cruises on the Seine, Loing and other rivers. A number of companies offer cruises aboard panoramic launches or other boats, which can include stops in emblematic towns such as Crécy-la-Chapelle or Meaux. It's also possible to hire boats without a license to cruise the department's canals and rivers at your own pace. Others may prefer to spend the night on a barge, or have lunch there while soaking up the sun on a terrace... Seine-et-Marne also offers fishing and other water sports such as canoeing, paddle-boating, nation-boating and sailing, particularly in the major leisure centers. Last but not least, there are the department's emblematic canals, ideal for boating, fishing and strolling along the towpaths. The Canal de l'Ourcq is the best-known, but others are also well worth a visit, such as the Canal de Chalifert, whose banks boast a variety of pleasant spaces for strolling. The same is true of the Chelles canal, popular with walkers for its lush green landscapes and tranquil setting. Better known is the Canal du Loing, appreciated by boaters, nature lovers and the curious for its many locks.
A land of know-how to discover
While the Seine-et-Marne department makes a point of protecting and enhancing its natural environment, it also promotes responsible consumption and short supply chains. There's no shortage of events where you can discover gastronomy and local, fresh or seasonal produce (annual festivals and fairs, farmers' and producers' markets, etc.). It also owes its reputation to its many high-quality food shops, pick-your-own and direct-sales farms, enabling everyone to shop while supporting the local economy and reducing their carbon footprint! In short, eco-responsible tourism combines the discovery of nature, respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable development, preserving the region's natural and cultural riches. And there are plenty of them: Brie from Meaux and Melun, macaroons from Réau, craft beers, poppies from Nemours, honey from the Gâtinais, saffron... as well as roses from Provins, etc. True to its winegrowing past, the département also boasts a number of winegrowers who produce quality wines, notably in Brie and the Meaux area... In short, this département stands out for its green tourism, offering great opportunities to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature, while discovering a diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage. Seine-et-Marne also boasts a wealth of handicrafts, reflecting the region's history and creativity. In fact, the département has become a must for lovers of fine crafts! Since November 2023, local arts and crafts have had their own annual event in Noisiel ("Savoir-Faire et Matières" show at La ferme du Buisson), showcasing the skills and creations of local artisans. An opportunity to discover and appreciate the work of talented artisans, whether in ceramics, tapestry, jewelry, leatherwork, gilding, metal enameling, etc. Indeed, Seine-et-Marne is home to many leather craftsmen who perpetuate ancestral know-how in the manufacture of high-quality bags, belts and other leather goods. Ceramics and pottery are not to be outdone, as is glassmaking, with glassblowers creating decorative objects, lighting fixtures and more. Others exercise their talents in fields as varied as sculpture, engraving, wrought ironwork and basketry, as well as calligraphy and medieval jewelry-making, all contributing to the cultural and artistic richness of the département. Others, such as stilt-walkers, jugglers, falconers, storytellers, minstrels and equestrian jousting pros, amaze us during festivities... Some, meanwhile, excel in artisanal soap-making, using local, environmentally-friendly ingredients. Last but not least, a number of craftsmen embody a whole range of traditional arts and crafts, perpetuating ancient trades such as stone-cutting, joinery, carpentry, basket-making and blacksmithing... Men and women who contribute to the preservation of our built and craft heritage, examples that illustrate the diversity and richness of craftsmanship in Seine-et-Marne, where traditional know-how rubs shoulders with innovation and creativity. It's a real opportunity for visitors to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and even to support beautiful and noble initiatives! Those with a passion for crafts will be able to get up close and personal with artisans who have been awarded the "Artisan du Tourisme" label, for a unique experience. All these artisans share their passion and know-how through "discovery" workshops open to all. All the more reason to stay in Seine-et-Marne!
