Moret-sur-Loing, on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, is a town well worth a visit. This royal city is famous for its Sucre d'Orge and the landscapes immortalized by Impressionist Alfred Sisley. Stroll through the town and you'll discover fortified medieval gates, a keep, a bridge and the Notre-Dame church.
Listed as a"Remarkable Heritage Site" and"Destination Impressionisme", Moret-sur-Loing is also one of the 3 " Most Beautiful Detours in France " in the Ile-de-France region, along with Provins and Isle-Adam. Along the way, you'll be able to admire the superb Renaissance facades, the banks of the Loing and the mills on the river.
Moret-sur-Loing is also closely associated withAlfred Sisley (1839-1899), considered the greatest Impressionist landscape painter. Sisley lived in the town for twenty years, during which time he established his style and produced over 400 paintings. Capturing the changing light, the reflections on the Loing and the beauty of the landscape, his compositions are among the greatest Impressionist masterpieces, and are exhibited in the world's most prestigious museums.
Gourmets won't be outdone by the discovery of Sucre d'Orge, one of France's oldest sweets. Created in 1638 by the Benedictine Sisters of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, its secret recipe has remained unchanged ever since. Appreciated by the greatest, from Louis XIII and his court to Napoleon, this sweet, delicate candy also won over Sarah Bernhardt. Although no longer made by nuns since 1972, Sucre d'Orge is still produced in Moret, using the 17th-century method, with no added coloring or flavoring agents. Visitors can even visit the Maison du Sucre d'Orge and its museum at the Moulin Provencher, on an island in the middle of the Loing.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to do in Moret-sur-Loing. Several activities are available to enjoy the white waters of the Loing, including canoeing, paddling and electric boat trips. Depending on your preferences, there are different routes to discover the flora and fauna, as well as the charming villages overlooking the river. We also invite you to discover the Musée du Vélo and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Loing.
A visit to the charming medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, in the Ile-de-France region, is a plunge into a past rich in history. Numerous illustrious figures, such as the kings of France and Nicolas Fouquet, have left their mark on this town, which still retains visible traces in its architecture. Follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists, who were seduced by the charm of this royal city.
Moret-sur-Loing's origins date back to Gallo-Roman times. However, the town really came into its own in the 11th century, when it became part of the royal domain. It was then that Philippe Auguste began building the stone fortifications that surround the town. A veritable sentinel, Moret-sur-Loing's mission was to protect the Kingdom of France from the ambitions of the powerful Counts of Champagne.
At the time, Moret-sur-Loing was equipped with 1,400 meters of fortifications, some 20 towers and three high gateways: the Porte de Bourgogne, the Porte de Paris and the Porte d'Orléans. The latter has now disappeared. A royal castle with a keep was also part of the ensemble.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the city became one of the residences of the kings of France. From Louis VI to Henri IV, there was a succession of royal dynasties: the Capetians, the Valois and the Bourbons. They all stayed in the keep, which was a royal residence.
During the Renaissance, the town lost its role as a frontier post, but remained the seat of a bailliage, and was still somewhat frequented by kings, despite competition from Fontainebleau. Among them, Henri IV came to see his mistress, Jacqueline de Bueil, who lived in the dungeon.
In later years, Moret-sur-Loing was a favorite haunt of the Impressionists, particularly Alfred Sisley, who lived here for many years. He painted over 450 works depicting the town and its surroundings.
To get to Moret-sur-Loing by car:
Moret-sur-Loing is about 80 km southeast of Paris. To get there by car from Paris, take the A6 freeway towards Lyon. Take exit 14 to join the N7 towards Fontainebleau/Moret-sur-Loing. Once in Fontainebleau, follow the D607 towards Moret-sur-Loing. The journey generally takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
To get to Moret-sur-Loing by public transport:
From Paris, the Gare de Lyon offers regular trains to Moret-sur-Loing. Transilien R and TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté trains serve the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons station, about 2 km from the historic center of Moret-sur-Loing. The journey generally takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on train type and timetable. Once you've arrived at Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons station, you can reach the town center on foot, by bike or using local transport.
Don't forget to check train timetables and fares on the SNCF or Transilien websites before planning your journey.
Location
Moret-sur-Loing
moret-sur-loing
77250 Moret sur Loing
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
