A scenic getaway along the water in the Pays de Fontainebleau
The Pays de Fontainebleau, renowned for its majestic forest, also reveals another hidden treasure: the Seine River.
This river, at the crossroads of nature, history, and poetry, offers a true invitation to travel, discovery, and contemplation, unveiling a whole new side of the Pays de Fontainebleau.
Many towns and villages in the Pays de Fontainebleau border this river, each still bearing the imprint of its influence over the centuries. Indeed, the Seine has played a key role since the time of monarchs, providing easier access to Paris for both trade and travel. The river’s proximity to the Forest of Fontainebleau also fostered the development of rich biodiversity, resulting in landscapes of remarkable beauty.
This exceptional character made the river—and the region—a popular destination for vacation and inspiration in the 19th century. Samois-sur-Seine, Vulaines-sur-Seine, Samoreau, Héricy, as well as Avon, Bois-le-Roi, Chartrettes, and Fontainebleau still bear the marks of this era through the famous “Affolantes”: stunning mansions once owned by the Parisian aristocracy and bourgeoisie. These homes remain symbols of the Belle Époque lifestyle. Numerous artists, such as Stéphane Mallarmé and Django Reinhardt, made their homes here, drawn and inspired by the evocative power of the setting.Today, the former holiday home of one of France’s greatest poets has been converted into a museum that opens its doors to reveal the universe of the poet. Visitors will discover his writings as well as furniture, objects, keepsakes, and artworks from his artist friends such as Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, James McNeill Whistler, and the Nabis group. Numerous exhibitions and activities make the museum lives, including the exhibition “Between River and Flowers,” highlighting the poet’s deep attachment to the natural surroundings of his Seine-side home—a source of healing and inspiration from the moment he arrived in Valvins in 1874.
Located in Vulaines-sur-Seine, the house-museum is open from May 2 to July 14, 2025, Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (until 6 p.m. in July). Group visits can be arranged by reservation, with time slots available from Monday to Sunday.
Find out more about Stéphane Mallarmé’s musuem.
Long known as a source of artistic inspiration, the Seine and its banks also offer a true haven of peace, ideal for relaxation and escape. Valvins-les-Bains, the name given to the Port of Valvins in the 19th century, was a sought-after destination for travelers. As the port’s reputation grew, numerous hotels, restaurants, and holiday homes were built. Today, freshly renovated (with new docks, cultural panels, picnic tables, and a developed walking trail), the Port of Valvins presents itself as a true sanctuary—perfect for both creative inspiration and restful leisure.
For those with a spirit of freedom, the Seine can also be explored by bicycle.The Scandibérique—a European cycle route—invites you on a delightful escape. Part of this exceptional itinerary runs alongside the Seine, leading you through unspoiled landscapes, a protected forest, and charming villages. Along the way, elegant residences, the famous Affolantes, flower-filled gardens, churches, and picturesque old washhouses offer a refreshing and poetic getaway, revealing the bucolic beauty of the Pays de Fontainebleau!
The Seine and its banks can also be explored by foot, at the pace of a peaceful stroll. A walk along the riverbanks, through one of the many developed trails, offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the Pays de Fontainebleau.
To help you fully experience life along the Seine, the Pays de Fontainebleau offers a wide and varied range of activities: walks (on foot or by bike) along the riverbanks, swimming at the Bois-le-Roi Leisure Island, canoeing, rowing, fishing, exploring local heritage, and more.
A.N.F.A. Aviron
Samois-sur-Seine
Rowing , discovery , rambling and competition. Camping possible for groups in the community of Samoreau.
Bois le Roi leisure centre
Bois-le-Roi
Situated between the river banks of the Seine and the forest of Fontainebleau, the leisure center has a lot to offer to the whole family: a real heaven of nature and 73 hectares of green grounds, an 8 hectare lake and a various choice of leisure activities. A nice setting for relaxation !
Base nautique
Bois-le-Roi
L'île de loisirs de Bois-le-Roi vous propose un plan d'eau de 8 ha : l'endroit idéal pour un moment de baignade rafraîchissante !
What could be better than a delicious and refreshing break at one of the many restaurants, cafés, or riverside guinguettes in the Seine-side villages, after (or even before) a day full of discoveries and activities?
Aum Caffè
Samois-sur-Seine
This literary café is also a continuous tea room, with a second-hand book sales section, concerts on Saturday evenings, a restaurant, a coworking space and karaoke on Friday evenings.
L'Anneau de Mallarmé
Vulaines-sur-Seine
The restaurant, located on the shore of the Seine, has been welcoming guests in a shrine of greenery for more than 15 years. Hospitality, simplicity, generosity and conviviality are the key words here. The menu offers traditionnel and modern french recipes, cooked from fresh seasonal products.
Le Relais de l'Ecluse - Le 11
Samois-sur-Seine
The Relais de l'Écluse "Le 11" invites you to taste traditional cuisine with Provençal flavors.Terrace.
Le Démé
Samois-sur-Seine
Formerly "Chez Fernand", this legendary address, which used to be Django Reinhardt's canteen, has regained its former glory and now offers quality Italian cuisine, which you will enjoy on the lovely terrace at the water's edge.
L'Âme du Jardin
Héricy
A haven of peace in the heart of nature, l'Âme du Jardin is the bistronomic restaurant of Domaine des Jardins, a vast two-hectare estate set in a natural setting in Héricy, Seine-et-Marne.
Le Petit Cèdre
Vulaines-sur-Seine
In Vulaines sur Seine, Le Petit Cèdre puts French gastronomy in the spotlight. Regulars recommend veal kidneys, Flemish carbonnade, meringues and brie. Beautiful terrace under the linden trees, and nice garden in the back.
Sumac House
Samois-sur-Seine
Maison Sumac welcomes you to a hybrid space offering a delicatessen where you can find French products, mostly organic and as local as possible.
La Buvette de Samoreau
Samoreau
La Buvette de Samoreau est un restaurant sur les bords de Seine de Samoreau. Située dans un cadre idyllique, c'est un vrai lieu de vie où l'on peut apprécier des plats faits maison réalisés avec des produits locaux.
The perfect way to enjoy a true escape along the water in the Pays de Fontainebleau!
