Things To Do
in Melun

Main market days (typically Wednesday and Saturday mornings) with stalls selling cheese, bread, charcuterie, produce and small prepared foods—ideal for tasting local Brie and fresh pastries.

In summer you may find occasional pop-up stands along the Seine offering snacks, crepes and drinks near the quays.

Use 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) when entering shops or speaking to people; a polite greeting is expected before questions or requests.

Be courteous and moderately formal with new acquaintances; use 'vous' unless invited to use 'tu'. Saying 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci' goes a long way.

Cheek kisses (la bise) occur among friends and family but are not universal—follow the other person's lead. Handshakes are common in formal contexts.

Wait to be seated in restaurants if required, keep hands visible on the table and avoid loud phone conversations during meals.

Service is generally included in restaurant bills ('service compris'), but rounding up or leaving small change (5–10%) for good service is appreciated. Tip taxi drivers and hotel porters a few euros for helpful service.

Cards (chip-and-PIN and contactless) are widely accepted; carry some cash for small market stalls, some small cafés or rural vendors. Mobile payments are increasingly accepted, but always check before ordering.

Mild temperatures, blooming trees and quieter streets than summer—ideal for walking, cycling and visiting markets; bring a light jacket for variable weather.

Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours; outdoor terraces and château gardens are lively. Expect more day-trippers and occasional heat waves—carry water and sun protection.

Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colours in nearby forests and parkland; good season for hiking and photography with crisp air and fewer tourists.

Cold, often damp weather with occasional frosts; quieter tourist scene and shorter daylight hours. Town is still pleasant for museums and cosy cafés—pack warm layers and a waterproof coat.

About 30–40 km from Melun, this famous forest offers vast trail networks, scenic rock formations and bouldering opportunities—suitable for half‑day to full‑day hikes.

Flat, easy walking and cycling routes along the Seine that run close to Melun—good for relaxed riverside hikes and multi‑stop excursions.

There are landscaped park walks and nearby rural trails around the château and through adjoining countryside, excellent for gentle hikes and photography.

Nearby woodlands provide pleasant loops and paths beside the river, suitable for short to medium hikes and family outings.

A significant portion of residents commute daily to Paris for work, shaping local rhythms around train schedules.

Melun has many families and long-term residents who value local schools, services and quieter suburban life.

There is a presence of students and younger adults, drawn by affordability relative to Paris and proximity to educational institutions.

Like many towns in the Paris region, Melun has diverse communities with cultural contributions from North African, sub-Saharan and other immigrant groups.

Football is widely practiced and watched at local clubs and amateur levels; community pitches and youth programs are common.

Owing to the Seine, rowing, canoeing and paddle activities are popular on the river and in nearby leisure centres.

Cycling along the towpaths and regional roads is popular, and many locals enjoy running in parks and riverside routes.

Nearby Fontainebleau is a world-renowned bouldering destination attracting climbers of all levels.

Vegetarian options are common in cafés and bistros (salads, omelettes, cheese plates, vegetable tarts). Ask for simple preparations and check that sauces are meat-free. Markets have fresh produce ideal for self-catering.

Finding fully vegan dishes can be more limited than in larger cities; look for salads, vegetable-based starters and check with chefs. Supermarkets and markets sell fruit, vegetables and plant-based alternatives for self-catered meals.

Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing; bakeries and restaurants may accommodate on request, but cross-contamination can occur. Markets and supermarkets have gluten-free packaged options.

Carry allergy cards in French describing your restrictions and confirm ingredients with staff, particularly when dining at traditional bistros and market stalls.