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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
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.
Picturesque bridges, riverside trees and boats create classic French small-town scenes—perfect for reflections and long-exposure shots of flowing water.
Narrow streets, old stone facades and colorful shopfronts offer intimate urban photography opportunities.
Dramatic sandstone boulders, panoramic viewpoints and forest trails provide nature and landscape images, especially at sunrise or under misty conditions.
Flat, tree-lined towpaths with boats and reflections make for peaceful compositions in all seasons.
Food in Nemours
Nemours Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun are regional stars—try a cheese platter at markets, fromageries or bistros in town.
Must-Try!
Country-style pâté and pork terrines are common starters; find excellent versions at local charcuteries and Saturday markets.
Loing river trout and pike-perch are sometimes on menus at riverside restaurants when in season.
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
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.
In summer there are occasional food stands and festivals along the Loing selling grilled items, crepes and ice cream—great for casual bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter: say 'Bonjour' on entering shops and 'Au revoir' when leaving. Use 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' with older people or in formal situations.
The French appreciate polite, soft-spoken interactions; avoid loud phone conversations in cafés and public transport.
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.
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
Tipping in Nemours
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
Mild temperatures, budding trees and blooming countryside make spring ideal for walking, cycling and photography; occasional rain means packing a light waterproof layer.
Warm and pleasant—perfect for riverside picnics, canoeing and outdoor dining. Expect more visitors and weekend families; book accommodations early for July–August.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in the surrounding forests create excellent hiking conditions and atmospheric photos; weekends remain lively with local food events.
Chilly and quieter with shorter daylight hours; snow is possible but infrequent—museums and cafés provide cozy alternatives if weather is gray.
Nemours at Night
Hiking in Nemours
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails and boulder fields offering varied terrain, panoramic viewpoints and classic Fontainebleau scenery—excellent for day hikes and bouldering.
Riverside walking route following the Loing with tranquil views, birdlife and small villages—suitable for gentle, scenic hikes.
A more rugged loop through forest and granite outcrops near Nemours with good vantage points and natural scenery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents and families make up much of the population, with community life centered on schools, markets and local associations.
People who commute to Paris or other larger towns for work form a notable segment, attracted by lower housing costs and transport links.
The town attracts retirees who appreciate the calm pace, local services and access to nature.
Weekend visitors and outdoor-sport lovers come for hiking, climbing and rural activities, especially in warmer months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally—small clubs and youth teams are active, with community matches on weekends.
Cycling is common for commuting and leisure, with scenic routes along canals and quiet country roads popular with enthusiasts.
Fontainebleau's bouldering culture draws climbers from around the world, and many visitors use Nemours as a base for climbing days.
The classic French outdoor game is often played in squares and parks—an easy way to join local life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nemours.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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.
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-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.