Things To Do
in Nemours

Nemours is a charming small town in the Seine-et-Marne department of north-central France, set on the banks of the Loing river and surrounded by wooded countryside. It combines a compact medieval center with a 12th–16th-century château, riverside promenades, and easy access to the vast Fontainebleau forest. The pace is relaxed, popular with day-trippers from Paris as well as families and outdoor enthusiasts who come for hiking, climbing and canoeing.

Local life centers on markets, cafés and the riverfront, offering an authentic small-town French experience with good transport links to greater Île-de-France.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Nemours, taking in the charming half-timbered houses that date back to the medieval period. Visit the beautiful Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where you can admire its stunning stained-glass windows. Enjoy a fresh croissant and coffee at a local boulangerie while soaking up the authentic French atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the impressive Château de Nemours, a stunning medieval castle that offers fascinating insights into the region's history. Explore the castle's grounds and enjoy the picturesque views of the Loing River, which flows nearby. Take your time wandering through the quaint shops and boutiques in the area, where you can find unique souvenirs and local artisan crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the historic center to savor traditional French cuisine, perhaps trying coq au vin or duck confit. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, where the soft glow of lanterns illuminates the enchanting scenery. End your evening with a glass of local wine as you relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

day 2
Art and Culture Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day at the Musée de Nemours, where you can explore a diverse collection of art and artifacts from different eras. Engage with local artists during a morning workshop, learning traditional techniques and styles unique to the region. Enjoy a light breakfast at the museum café, featuring local products and pastries.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at the nearby Parc de l'Ile de la Comtesse, which boasts beautiful gardens and sculptures. Participate in a guided walking tour that emphasizes the significance of art in Nemours’ cultural landscape. Take a moment to relax on a bench and enjoy the serene environment while sketching or journaling your thoughts.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a live performance at a local theater, showcasing the talents of regional musicians and actors. After the show, enjoy a casual dinner at a bistro known for its artistic ambiance and creative dishes. End your night with a stroll through the vibrant streets, where occasional street performances occur, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (espresso)$2.50-4
🚕Taxi start / short ride$5-10
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-120
🥖Loaf of bread / bakery items$1.50-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Picturesque small-town charm with historic architecture and riverside walks
  • Easy access to outdoor activities and the famous Fontainebleau forest
  • Authentic markets and local food culture
  • Short train or car journey from Paris for day trips
  • Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger towns
  • Fewer specialized dietary and international cuisine choices
  • Public transport within rural areas can be infrequent on weekends
  • Some tourist services may be seasonal
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
  • "Bonsoir" - Good evening
  • "Merci / Merci beaucoup" - Thank you / Thank you very much
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
  • "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Nemours

Visit one of these nice places.

Château de Nemours

Photos of the château exterior, its towers and landscaped grounds are beautiful in morning or golden-hour light; take wide shots from across the river for reflections.

Loing riverbank and medieval bridges

Picturesque bridges, riverside trees and boats create classic French small-town scenes—perfect for reflections and long-exposure shots of flowing water.

Town centre and half-timbered streets

Narrow streets, old stone facades and colorful shopfronts offer intimate urban photography opportunities.

Forêt de Fontainebleau viewpoints

Dramatic sandstone boulders, panoramic viewpoints and forest trails provide nature and landscape images, especially at sunrise or under misty conditions.

Canal du Loing towpath

Flat, tree-lined towpaths with boats and reflections make for peaceful compositions in all seasons.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nemours

Nemours and the surrounding Seine-et-Marne region share classic north-central French cuisine: hearty, seasonal, and influenced by nearby Île-de-France and Brie cheese country. Local offerings emphasize quality bread and pastries, cheeses, game and river fish, with many taverns and bistros serving traditional dishes made from local ingredients.

Nemours Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Brie cheese and local cheeses

Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun are regional stars—try a cheese platter at markets, fromageries or bistros in town.

Must-Try!

Pâté and terrines

Country-style pâté and pork terrines are common starters; find excellent versions at local charcuteries and Saturday markets.

River fish dishes

Loing river trout and pike-perch are sometimes on menus at riverside restaurants when in season.

Tarte Tatin and classic French pastries

Local bakeries produce excellent fruit tarts, croissants and pain au chocolat; a morning visit to a boulangerie is a must.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Nemours Saturday Market

A lively weekly market (usually on Saturday) around the town center where producers sell cheese, charcuterie, bread, seasonal fruit, vegetables and prepared foods—ideal for tasting local specialties.

Small riverside stalls and pop-ups

In summer there are occasional food stands and festivals along the Loing selling grilled items, crepes and ice cream—great for casual bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nemours has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable conditions and regular rainfall distributed through the year. Summers typically see comfortable daytime temperatures often between 22–28°C (72–82°F), while winter daytime temperatures average around 5–8°C (41–46°F) with occasional frost and rare snow. Rain can occur any season, so a waterproof layer is useful year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Polite greetings matter: say 'Bonjour' on entering shops and 'Au revoir' when leaving. Use 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' with older people or in formal situations.

Politeness and quiet

The French appreciate polite, soft-spoken interactions; avoid loud phone conversations in cafés and public transport.

Dining manners

Keep hands (not elbows) on the table, and wait for the host or for everyone to be served before starting a meal when in a private setting.

Respect for local rhythms

Many shops close for lunch or on certain afternoons—plan errands around typical opening hours and Sundays when many businesses are closed or have short hours.

Safety Guide

Safety

Nemours is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime rates; usual urban precautions apply—watch belongings in crowded areas and lock your car. Take care near riverbanks and after heavy rain, as currents and slippery banks can be hazardous. If you plan outdoor activities like bouldering or long hikes, inform someone of your route and check local conditions; mobile signal can be patchy in dense forest. In emergencies dial 112 for EU-wide assistance, or 15 for medical and 17 for police.

Tipping in Nemours

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is usually included ('service compris') in restaurant bills in France; leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not obligatory. Taxi drivers and tour guides may expect a small tip for exceptional service (5–10%), and café/bar service can be rounded up to the euro.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, though small markets, cafés and rural vendors may prefer cash. Carry some euros for markets, small purchases and in case of card minimums; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, budding trees and blooming countryside make spring ideal for walking, cycling and photography; occasional rain means packing a light waterproof layer.

Summer

Warm and pleasant—perfect for riverside picnics, canoeing and outdoor dining. Expect more visitors and weekend families; book accommodations early for July–August.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in the surrounding forests create excellent hiking conditions and atmospheric photos; weekends remain lively with local food events.

Winter

Chilly and quieter with shorter daylight hours; snow is possible but infrequent—museums and cafés provide cozy alternatives if weather is gray.

Nightlife Guide

Nemours at Night

Nemours has a quiet, low-key nightlife centered on a handful of bars, cafés and seasonal events. Expect early-closing times compared with big cities—most locals enjoy after-work drinks, supper at bistros and occasional community gatherings or live-music nights at small venues. For late-night clubs and a wider entertainment scene, residents usually travel to Fontainebleau or Paris.

Hiking in Nemours

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forêt de Fontainebleau - Trois Pignons

A network of trails and boulder fields offering varied terrain, panoramic viewpoints and classic Fontainebleau scenery—excellent for day hikes and bouldering.

Sentier de la Vallée du Loing

Riverside walking route following the Loing with tranquil views, birdlife and small villages—suitable for gentle, scenic hikes.

Gorges d'Apremont circuit

A more rugged loop through forest and granite outcrops near Nemours with good vantage points and natural scenery.

Canal du Loing towpath

Flat, accessible trail ideal for long walks or cycling along the canal with lock houses and peaceful stretches of water.

Airports

How to reach Nemours by plane.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)

Approximately 60–75 km from Nemours depending on route; about 1–1.5 hours by car. Orly handles many domestic and European flights and is the most convenient option for southern Paris access.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

About 80–100 km away and roughly 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic; major international hub with frequent train and bus connections to Paris where you can transfer to regional services to Nemours.

Beauvais–Tillé Airport (BVA)

Smaller budget-airport option located further away (around 100–120 km) and typically used by low-cost carriers; longer transfer times to Nemours, so factor in shuttle or car travel times.

Getting Around

Walkability

Nemours is very walkable in the central area—most attractions, shops and cafés are within easy walking distance. Riverside promenades and compact streets make strolling pleasant; for excursions to forests or neighboring villages a bike or car is helpful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Long-term residents and families make up much of the population, with community life centered on schools, markets and local associations.

Commuters

People who commute to Paris or other larger towns for work form a notable segment, attracted by lower housing costs and transport links.

Retirees

The town attracts retirees who appreciate the calm pace, local services and access to nature.

Outdoor enthusiasts and tourists

Weekend visitors and outdoor-sport lovers come for hiking, climbing and rural activities, especially in warmer months.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport locally—small clubs and youth teams are active, with community matches on weekends.

Cycling

Cycling is common for commuting and leisure, with scenic routes along canals and quiet country roads popular with enthusiasts.

Bouldering / Climbing

Fontainebleau's bouldering culture draws climbers from around the world, and many visitors use Nemours as a base for climbing days.

Pétanque

The classic French outdoor game is often played in squares and parks—an easy way to join local life.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Nemours itself is light compared with urban centers; narrow streets and occasional market days can slow travel through the center. Commuter traffic to/from Paris can be busier during weekday rush hours on main roads and motorways. Regional trains connect Nemours to the Paris area, and local buses serve nearby villages, but service frequency may be limited outside peak times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nemours.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited at small traditional bistros—look for salads, omelettes, vegetable tarts and cheese plates; mention 'je suis végétarien(ne)' and restaurants will often adapt dishes.

Vegan

Vegan choices are less common than in large cities; seek out markets, bakeries for fruit and bread, or cafés that can assemble salads—carry snacks if you have strict requirements.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing. Many places can accommodate requests if warned in advance, but fresh pastries and breads are central to local cuisine so options may be limited outside specialty shops.

Halal/Other Religious Diets

Halal-certified restaurants are not numerous in Nemours; inquire at larger supermarkets or in nearby Paris suburbs for specific needs. Grocery stores carry some halal and kosher products.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Nemours has local medical clinics, pharmacies and a hospital center (Centre Hospitalier) providing general care and emergency services. For specialized medical treatment or major hospitals, Paris facilities are within reach by train or car. Pharmacies are common and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments; carry travel insurance and your EU health card if eligible.

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