Samois-sur-Seine, the charming Village de Caractère on the banks of the Seine and its heritage

Samois-sur-Seine invites you to take a bucolic stroll in an exotic setting in the Ile-de-France region. Located in the south of the Seine-et-Marne region, on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, this charming village boasts a wealth of history and culture.

Samois-sur-Seine is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway, where the lapping of the Seine will lull you to sleep as you enjoy a drink by the water. It's a pleasure to contemplate the moored barges, to let yourself be lulled by the passage of time or to stroll along its historic streets.

But don't be fooled by its apparent tranquility. For a weekend, Samois-sur-Seine can be transformed into a hotbed of wild rhythms and gypsy songs during the famous Django Reinhardt jazz festival, held every year around the last weekend in June. The house in which he once lived is worth a visit.

The village's history, anchored around the Seine, is evidenced by the many medieval remains still visible today, notably the Saint-Loup church and its loopholes. The entrance from the banks of the Seine is dominated by the sublime villas typical of the village, nicknamed the "Affolantes". These mansions date from the late 19th century and invite contemplation.

Author Françoise Laborde coined the nickname "Les Affolantes du Bord de Seine" for these magnificent residences. Often endowed with gardens classified as "remarkable gardens", these houses possess an undeniable charm. The first of these, named " Les Fontaines Dieu ", was built in 1896 by Eugène Cottin and is the only one to be listed as a historic monument. The decoration follows the canons of the period, with its distinctive half-timbering, Gothic-style molded window lintels and typical early 20th-century joinery. This house is a perfect example of the resort houses built at the turn of the 20th century along the banks of the Seine.

The villa "Les Chimères", originally a traditional Briard house, is a local curiosity for its extravagant facade, reworked with staff and wood in the early 20th century. Its owner, a lover of the Middle Ages, transformed its facades into veritable theatrical settings inspired by the Gothic era. On the Seine side, a comfortable veranda decorated with wolves and curly cabbage motifs opens onto a terrace with sculpted chimeras. This unique combination of vernacular and flamboyant neo-Gothic architecture makes the house as original as it is attractive.

As you stroll through the town, you'll be delighted to discover a charming heritage. Architectural treasures include the Samois tower, erected in 1880, and the church of Saint-Hilaire, which houses a bell dating from 1789 and is listed in the Inventaire des Monuments Historiques. You can also admire the château and hermitage of La Madeleine, founded during the reign of Louis XIII. These two sites enjoy great popularity, as they have played host to many illustrious personalities, such as Chateaubriand, George Sand, and the eminent poet Alfred de Musset, who was George Sand's lover at the time.

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There's also the Lavoir, dating back to the Middle Ages and fed by underground aqueducts. In 1818, it was covered by the current building, which was carefully restored to its original condition in 1998. Today, the basin is in impeccable condition, and the clarity of its water is quite remarkable.

To complete your discovery, here are a few good addresses not to be missed:

• The new Chez Démé pizzeria on the waterfront.
  

• La Maison Sumac, where you can enjoy seasonal home cooking. A family atmosphere, well-sourced produce, a fine selection of natural wines and mouth-watering dishes await you in a relaxed atmosphere.
  

• Eden for a drink or a stroll along the water. Whether enjoying a refreshing beer or sipping a soda, the experience is well worth the detour. Florence invites you aboard for a moment of quiet contemplation on the Seine. Let yourself be carried away by the boat's charm.
  

• Le Relais de l'Écluse, ideally situated on the water's edge with a large terrace. Traditional Provencal cuisine awaits you.
  

The village of Samois-sur-Seine is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Ile-de-France region, and a must for all lovers of history, nature and music. Take a stroll and let yourself be seduced by this romantic village!