Melun, a historical town

 

 

    Forty kilometres south-east of Paris, Melun, which has been the Seine-et-Marne department's capital since 1800, is currently developing its historical heritage and highlighting the evidence of its illustrious past.
Built on the crossroads of transport routes from as early as Roman times, the town of Melun grew up around an island, in a bend of the river Seine. However, the town's real rise began at the end of the Xth Century: it became a royal town which regularly welcomed France's kings up until the middle of the XVth century, in the chateau which has now disappeared. There are two relics to the XIth century still remaining in Melun: the Notre-Dame collegiate church and the Saint-Sauveur priory. From the XVIth century onwards, the kings gradually abandoned Melun, but the economic and administrative role of the town continued to grow. The Saint-Aspais church with its original stained glass windows, and the Hotel de la Vicomte, now the town's museum, still remain from this period. Established more than 150 years ago, the museum is devoted to the city's archaeological, historic and artistic heritage. Here you'll learn about Melun's history through many different period objects and paintings.

 

Nowadays, Melun highlights its gastronomic heritage with an emblematic cheese of the region: Melun brie (Appellation d'Origine Protégée). Now offering a river rest stop, as well as a passenger boat port, Melun is a stop off point on river trips from Paris to Burgundy.

 

 

 

Historical and unusual guided tours of the town in high season
Different themes are available: the Saint-Aspais church, Melun, the medieval town, a panorama of Melun, and other themes on request.
Guided tours of the Vaux le Vicomte chateau and of the SAFRAN aeronautical museum (SNECMA).

 

 

 

 

  2012 events

 

• Cruises on the river Seine (in high season)
• "Céramiques sur Seine" exhibitions and Potters' market (September)
• "Melun fête son Brie" Brie festival (1st Saturday in October)