Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Maur - Top 6

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés offers a rich historical tapestry. You can explore the remnants of the Abbey of Saint-Maur, including the Rabelais Tower and parts of the cellar, now within Parc de l'Abbaye. The 12th-century Saint-Nicolas Church is another significant historical monument. Further afield, you can visit the charming village of Gerberoy, known for its medieval streets and the Castle gate, part of a 16th-century destroyed castle. Don't miss the Château de Crèvecœur, a 15th-century fortress rebuilt during the Renaissance.

Yes, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is beautifully situated within a loop of the Marne River. The Marne Riverbanks offer picturesque promenades for strolling, jogging, and cycling, with scenic views of the river. You can also enjoy the green spaces of Parc de Saint-Maur and Parc de l'Abbaye. The Castle gate in Gerberoy also offers a viewpoint over the surrounding countryside.

The town has a vibrant cultural scene. The Villa Médicis, a 19th-century mansion, serves as a cultural center and free museum, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. You can also explore various churches like Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire, Saint-François-de-Sales, and Sainte-Marie-aux-Fleurs. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the 'Saint-Maur en Poche' book festival and 'Jazz en Boucle'.

The Marne Riverbanks are perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and even boat rides, canoeing, or kayaking. For more structured outdoor adventures, you can explore various routes in the wider region. There are numerous MTB Trails around Saint-Maur, Road Cycling Routes, and general Cycling routes, including options like the 'Gerberoy loop from Songeons'.

Many attractions in the region are suitable for families. The green spaces of Parc de Saint-Maur and Parc de l'Abbaye are great for children to play. Exploring the charming cobbled streets of Gerberoy and its gardens can be an enjoyable outing. Historical sites like the Castle gate and Château de Crèvecœur offer educational experiences. The Marne River also provides opportunities for family-friendly activities like picnics and boat rides.

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and summer are particularly vibrant. The Rose Festival in Gerberoy takes place at the end of May/beginning of June, and the 'Jazz en Boucle' festival is in September. The warmer months are ideal for enjoying the Marne Riverbanks and outdoor activities. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage in the parks.

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés hosts vibrant local markets, including a popular weekly market at Place des Marronniers, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local meats. The town also supports local artisans through its 'Fabriqué à Saint-Maur' label and the Galerie Éphémère, which features temporary exhibitions of art and crafts.

Gerberoy is classified as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France'. It's renowned for its picturesque cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the magnificent gardens of post-impressionist painter Henri Le Sidaner. The village also hosts an annual Rose Festival, making it an extraordinary setting, especially in late spring.

Yes, the Marne Riverbanks offer numerous easy and picturesque walking paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Parc de Saint-Maur and Parc de l'Abbaye also provide peaceful, accessible routes within green settings. For more extensive walking, consider the various cycling routes which often include sections suitable for walking, such as the 'Gerberoy loop from Songeons'.

The Abbey of Saint-Maur, founded in the 7th century, was pivotal in the town's development. Although largely in ruins since its demolition in 1750, remnants like the Rabelais Tower, a 13th-century pillar, and parts of the chevet of the Notre-Dame-des-Miracles chapel can still be explored within Parc de l'Abbaye. Guided tours are often organized to delve into its rich history.

Absolutely. The Logis de Roy Street in Gerberoy is particularly notable for its cobblestone streets, old straw-clay houses, and colorful 17th and 18th-century half-timbered houses, along with defensive walls and the Charlemagne Tower. In Saint-Maur itself, the Hôtel de Largentière, a private property constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries, is classified as a Historic Monument and can be admired from the outside.

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach many attractions. Within the town, walking or cycling along the Marne Riverbanks is a pleasant way to explore. For attractions further afield, such as Gerberoy or Château de Crèvecœur, driving might be more convenient, or you can explore the various cycling routes that connect these sites.