Things To Do
in Savigny-le-Temple
Savigny-le-Temple is a residential suburb in the Île-de-France region, about 30 km southeast of central Paris, known for its post-1970s planned-town architecture and proximity to the Sénart forest. It serves as a commuter hub with RER D and regional rail links, combining modern shopping areas with green spaces. The town has a diverse, family-oriented population and convenient access to larger centers like Melun and the Carré Sénart shopping complex.
While not a classic tourist hotspot, it is a practical base for exploring greater Paris, local nature reserves, and rural Seine-et-Marne traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodations and take a moment to enjoy your surroundings. Stroll through the local streets, breathing in the fresh French air and soaking in the charm of the town. Stop by a local café to savor a warm croissant and a cup of rich café au lait.
Start your exploration with a visit to the beautiful Parc de la Fontaine, where vibrant flowers and peaceful landscapes invite you to relax. Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the park, feasting on artisanal cheeses and baguettes from a nearby market. As you soak up the sun, you'll hear the laughter of children playing, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Dine at a cozy bistro in the heart of Savigny-le-Temple, indulging in traditional French cuisine. Try regional specialties along with a glass of wine while you immerse yourself in the lively ambiance. Conclude the evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, admiring the picturesque buildings.
Begin your day at the Savigny-le-Temple Market, where you can browse fresh produce, local cheeses, and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors who are eager to share stories about their products and crafts. Take your time to select fresh ingredients for a picnic later on.
After lunch, visit the local art gallery to appreciate works by local artists and learn about the cultural heritage of the area. The gallery hosts fun and interactive exhibits that and provide insight into the artistic spirit of Savigny-le-Temple. You might even find a piece that resonates with you to take home.
Join a cooking class at a local culinary school and learn to prepare regional delicacies from an experienced chef. As you cook, share stories and laugh with fellow attendees, making new friends along the way. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit down to savor the meal you've created together.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚌Single public transport ticket (local/RER) | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (daytime) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent transport links to Paris (RER D) while being quieter and greener
- Close access to Forêt de Sénart and outdoor recreation
- Family-friendly and affordable compared with inner Paris
- Good regional food traditions (Brie) and changing multicultural dining options
- Limited tourist attractions within the town itself
- Nightlife and cultural venues are modest — fuller options require travel
- Some suburban areas show signs of socio-economic challenges and occasional safety concerns
- Weather can be changeable outside of summer months
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci (beaucoup)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Savigny-le-Temple
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic church offering architectural details and a peaceful interior — good for portraits and detail shots.
Extensive woodland with trails, mature trees and seasonal light; excellent for landscape, macro and wildlife photography.
Modern commercial architecture and public art — interesting for urban, architectural and street photography.
Picturesque riverside views, old bridges and reflections — best at golden hour for dramatic shots.
Post-1970s planned-town spaces, colorful façades and everyday suburban life scenes — useful for documentary-style photos.
Food in Savigny-le-Temple
Savigny-le-Temple Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Soft, creamy regional cheese — look for it at local fromageries and market stalls; pair with baguette and a glass of local wine.
Must-Try!
Every bakery and café serves variations of quiche; a convenient and satisfying choice for a picnic in the forest or a casual lunch.
Classic French viennoiseries — best bought fresh from a local boulangerie in the morning.
Simple, well-prepared dishes available at local brasseries and cafés across the suburb and in nearby Melun.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market days feature fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese and charcuterie; great for sampling regional produce and affordable picnic supplies.
Larger shopping complex with occasional food stalls and nearby street-food vendors offering international choices.
Short trip away, a bigger market with more producers—excellent for cheese, charcuterie and seasonal specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and service staff with 'Bonjour' on entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving; use 'Monsieur' and 'Madame' for polite address.
French social gatherings and queues expect polite behaviour; avoid loud phone conversations in public spaces and be courteous in lines.
Keep hands visible on the table, wait for everyone to be served before starting, and say 'Bon appétit'; it’s polite to thank your host and staff.
Safety
Tipping in Savigny-le-Temple
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge (service compris) is usually included in restaurant bills in France, so tipping is not obligatory; leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for good service is appreciated. Taxi drivers and café staff may receive a few euros for helpful service.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; carry some cash for small markets, bakeries or bus drivers. Many places accept mobile payments and contactless bank cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make it an ideal time for walks in Forêt de Sénart and riverside strolls; expect occasional rain and pollen.
Warm to hot days (often 20–30°C); perfect for picnics and outdoor activities but busier with families. Nights are generally pleasant; always carry sunscreen.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in the forests; comfortable for hiking but bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
Cold and damp conditions with temperatures often near freezing; snow is possible but usually light — dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Savigny-le-Temple at Night
Hiking in Savigny-le-Temple
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Large contiguous forest with marked paths for short walks, long hikes and mountain-biking; accessible directly from Savigny-le-Temple.
Gentle riverside routes ideal for walking, photography and flat cycling with scenic views and occasional picnic spots.
Network of smaller parks and greenways in the Sénart development for leisurely walks and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Savigny-le-Temple by plane.
Approximately 25–35 km west of Savigny-le-Temple; convenient for many domestic and European flights and reachable by car or shuttle via the Paris road network and public transport options.
Major international airport about 50–60 km north; accessible by regional trains, long-distance buses or car. Offers the widest selection of international flights.
Used mainly by low-cost carriers; further away (about 90 km) and best reached by a combination of shuttle/bus and car or train.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are working families who commute to Paris or nearby employment hubs; they shape local services and schools.
Attracted by transport links and lower housing costs compared to central Paris.
A diverse population with North African, Sub-Saharan African and other immigrant communities contributing to cultural and culinary variety.
Long-term inhabitants and retirees who value local services, quieter neighbourhoods and community life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played at local clubs and schools; community pitches host youth and amateur matches.
Popular for both commuting and leisure, with routes into the forest and along riverbanks—many locals cycle regularly.
Common regional team sports with local clubs and school participation.
Forest trails and park circuits attract runners and trail enthusiasts year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Savigny-le-Temple.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in bakeries and many cafés (salads, omelettes, cheese platters). Larger restaurants and supermarkets offer plant-based items; mention 'Je suis végétarien(ne)' when ordering.
Strict vegan choices are less common in small traditional bistros but available in supermarkets, some cafés and ethnic restaurants; look for vegan-labelled options or ask for vegetable-based dishes.
Awareness is growing—bakeries and restaurants may offer gluten-free alternatives, but always ask and be specific about cross-contamination ('sans gluten, s'il vous plaît').