Things To Do
in Claye-Souilly

Claye-Souilly is a charming suburban town in the Seine-et-Marne department, northeast of Paris, offering a tranquil mix of green spaces and easy access to the capital. It sits beside the Ourcq canal, providing scenic walks and relaxed riverside ambience. The town blends historical churches and markets with a family-friendly, village-like vibe.

It serves as a convenient base for exploring the broader Île-de-France countryside while staying within reach of Parisian culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Claye-Souilly, where you'll admire the charming architecture of the town's buildings. Stop by a local bakery to enjoy a fresh croissant and a café au lait while soaking in the morning atmosphere. The peaceful streets are perfect for capturing picturesque photos of the town's quaint squares and monuments.

afternoon
:

After exploring the center, visit the nearby Parc de la Mairie, a beautiful green space ideal for a relaxing picnic. Grab some local delicacies from a nearby market and enjoy your meal surrounded by lush trees and vibrant flowers. Take your time to wander through the park, watch the locals, and perhaps even catch a game of pétanque.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a local bistro to savor traditional French cuisine, such as coq au vin or ratatouille. Enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant, perhaps accompanied by a glass of French wine, as you reflect on the day's adventures. After dinner, take a stroll through the illuminated streets, feeling the charm of Claye-Souilly in the evening air.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at Local Markets
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the bustling local market, where farmers and artisans showcase their fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors and sample regional specialties, such as cheeses and charcuterie, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs.

afternoon
:

After the market, take a short walk to the nearby Eglise Saint-Étienne, a stunning church known for its striking architecture and rich history. Spend some time exploring the church, taking in its serene atmosphere and beautiful stained glass windows. Following your visit, grab a light lunch at a nearby café, where you can savor a classic French sandwich.

evening
:

In the evening, seek out a local theatre or cultural venue for a performance or concert, celebrating French arts and culture. Enjoy the energy of the crowd and immerse yourself in the local artistic scene. After the show, find a cozy wine bar to unwind and share your favorite moments of the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🧭Transit ticket (single ride)$2-4
🏥Basic healthcare visit$60-100
🏠Rent (monthly, 1BR in town)$900-1400
Coffee or pastry$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Paris, easy access by rail
  • Quiet, family-friendly town with green spaces
  • Good value for money for a suburban base
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Some services farther from town center
  • Can be quiet on weekdays
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Claye-Souilly

Visit one of these nice places.

Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul

A historic church with a stone façade and quiet interior, nice for architecture photography.

Canal de l'Ourcq promenade

Water reflections, lock structures, and boats along the canal provide tranquil scenes.

Town square at dusk

Cobbled streets and charming storefronts with warm lighting.

Culinary Guide

Food in Claye-Souilly

The area blends traditional French countryside cuisine with Parisian influences, featuring fresh produce, cheeses, and breads from local producers.

Claye-Souilly Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Brie de Meaux with crusty bread

Creamy Brie from nearby Meaux, best enjoyed with a baguette.

Must-Try!

Coq au vin

Classic braised chicken with red wine and mushrooms.

Pot-au-feu

Slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew with comforting flavors.

Tarte Tatin

Caramelized apple tart for a sweet finish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Claye-Souilly

Weekly market featuring fresh produce, cheese, bread, and prepared foods.

Crepe stalls and bakeries

Local crepes and pastries near the town center.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters; rainfall is spread throughout the year, with spring and autumn offering mild conditions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' depending on time of day; say 'S'il vous plaît' and 'Merci'.

Punctuality

Be timely for appointments or dinner reservations.

Queuing

Respect queues; wait your turn patiently.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for visitors; standard safety precautions apply, especially near canals at night and during crowded market days; keep belongings secure and be mindful of traffic when crossing streets.

Tipping in Claye-Souilly

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is included in many restaurants; additional tipping is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Cards widely accepted; cash still common for markets; contactless payments popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days; occasional showers; ideal for canal walks and outdoor markets.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; great for scenic walks and harvest meals.

Winter

Cool and sometimes frosty; celebrate festive markets and warm cafés.

Spring

Mild and blooming; perfect for bike rides and outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Claye-Souilly at Night

Claye-Souilly has a relaxed nightlife centered on cafes and small bars; you can enjoy a quiet drink near the canal or in a town square with locals. Larger clubs and concerts are in Paris, a quick train ride away.

Hiking in Claye-Souilly

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forêt de Bondy

Forest area nearby with trails and ponds; good for easy hikes.

Parc naturel régional Oise-Pays de France

Larger regional park with trails in the broader region; day trips possible.

Airports

How to reach Claye-Souilly by plane.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Located about 20-30 km northeast of Claye-Souilly; easiest access via RER B or regional trains and buses.

Orly Airport (ORY)

Situated about 40-50 km south of Claye-Souilly; reachable by train and road connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable with narrow streets, local shops, and markets; some outskirts require a short drive or bike ride; bike lanes are present along main routes and canal paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families attracted by good schools and green spaces.

Commuters

People who work in Paris or nearby towns with convenient rail links.

Retirees

Quiet neighborhoods and slower pace appeal to retirees.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular at clubs and schools; local matches can be watched in nearby towns.

Cycling

Common pastime on canal paths and country roads.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads connect to Paris and outskirts via major highways; traffic is typically light-to-moderate, with occasional congestion near CDG and during peak commute hours; public transport options include buses and rail links to Paris.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Claye-Souilly.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many menus feature vegetables, cheese, and eggs; ask for veggie dishes or fish alternatives; avoid heavy sauces.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via nearby clinics and pharmacies; for hospital-level care, residents typically go to larger centers in Paris region or Melun; regular GP visits and pharmacies are common, and you can book appointments through French healthcare system.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide