Coulommiers… the Pays de Brie… Champagne is not far away, and Paris even less so… If you’re looking for a relaxing break that combines heritage, nature and gastronomy, you’ve come to the right place. Between cycling, strolling and gourmet discoveries, you’ll have everything you need to unwind!
Day 1
It all starts in Coulommiers, an emblematic name that inspires gourmets since it was given to the local speciality: “Brie” cheese! But this town has a very special charm, as the canals and waterways created by the Grand Morin give it the charm of the towns commonly known as “Little Venice”.
Before setting off on your adventure in the Pays de Brie, start the morning with a stroll through the historic centre, where you can discover the four monuments listed as Historic Monuments:
- The Commanderie des Templiers and its medieval-inspired garden, created and laid out in 1993, featuring a collection of 250 cultivated and wild plants as well as a garden of technical plants for craft use, an orchard, a rose garden, vines and living hedges.
- The Parc des Capucins, a 3-hectare park, is one of the most beautiful in the Ile-de-France region, with landscaped areas inspired by French and English styles, all enhanced by sculptures by contemporary artists. It is also home to the ruins of the château built in 1613, but unfortunately only a few remains remain today, scattered among the park’s ancient trees. To explore the park, hire a rosalie!
- The Italian-style theatre and its typical auditorium with balconies and galleries, but the most remarkable feature of the theatre is the machinery, which has been preserved in its original state.
- The Notre Dame des Anges church, located in the heart of the Parc des Capucins, has a shell grotto in its choir, made up of 6 niches with bas-reliefs whose polychromy is predominantly red and blue, covered in concretions and shells – an unusual place that’s a must-see!
If you have time, take a look at the Halle aux Fromages, where the annual Foire Internationale aux Vins et aux Fromages is held!
Holidaying is good for the soul! After a heritage morning, take a lunch break at La Commanderie or L’Atmosphère.
The afternoon will be refreshing with a 2? hour canoe trip with Canoë 77!
Departing from the nautical base in Pommeuse, a village full of charm, you’ll paddle down the Grand Morin as far as Guérard, famous for its painters’ valley and its “Village de caractère” label. The return journey is by shuttle bus (an ideal route with children).
To round off the afternoon, take a refreshing dip (in moderation!) at the Brasserie du Pont du Coude in Dammartin-sur-Tigeaux, a microbrewery that produces craft beer – don’t forget to try their selection of “special” beers.
The Pays de Brie is full of producers whose expertise is much appreciated, so don’t hesitate to take a look at the Marteroy goat farm and its fine goat’s cheese in Jouarre, Fahy Briard cider in Mauperthuis, Domaine Emmanuel and its honey in Hautefeuille, and there’s even wine and champagne with Domaine du Bois Brillant in Guérard and Champagne Bombart in Saacy-sur-Marne, to name but a few.
For a relaxing dinner, take a seat by the bay window or on the terrace atO’Berge in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre and enjoy the relaxing sound of the Marne lapping along the banks (note that they also serve an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sunday mornings!)
You can then end the evening in a complete change of scenery in one of the lodges in the Parrot World animal park or in a tree house in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre.
Day 2
After a good night’s sleep and the efforts of the night before, the day will be devoted to a less strenuous boat trip!
Cruise the Marne in an electric boat with Escapade en bateau sans permis sur le GrandMorin from La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, information from the Coulommiers Pays de Brie tourist office (book online here).
As well as the ride on the river, you can also enjoy a gourmet adventure, with “aperitif baskets” or “snack baskets” made from local produce – a great way to discover the local produce of the Pays de Brie!
You can also bring your own picnic (see conditions), made with products you’ve picked up at the Coulommiers market (Sundays 8am to 1pm in the Halle aux Fromages).
If you still have a little time left to finish off this wonderful day, there’s time for contemplation in a place that is unique in Europe: Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey and its famous crypts housing the remarkable tombs of the founders of Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey, topped by magnificent white marble Merovingian capitals.
If you don’t have time to do it all, the Pays de Brie awaits you for new adventures!
Find below all the useful addresses and many other ideas!
Practical info :
By road :
- From the Autoroute de l’Est – A4 > Direction Reims-Strasbourg
- For La Ferté sous Jouarre – Exit 18: Saint Jean les deux Jumeaux
- For Coulommiers – Exit 16: Coulommiers, Esbly, Crécy-la-Chapelle
By train :
From Paris: 5 stations will take you to the heart of Coulommiers Pays de Brie.
The arrival stations are La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, Nanteuil/Saacy, Guérard/Celle-sur-Morin, Coulommiers, Faremoutiers/Pommeuse and Changy/Saint-Jean
From Paris Gare de l’Est :
- From Changy/Saint-Jean, La Ferté-sous-jouarre, Nanteuil/Saacy: take line P towards Château-Thierry.
- From Celle-sur-Morin/Guérard, Faremoutiers/Pommeuse, Mouroux and Coulommiers stations, take line P towards Coulommiers.
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If you’re not in a hurry, there’s a place just a few kilometres away that’s well worth a visit… the Galleria Continua. Near Boissy-le-Châtel, in rehabilitated former warehouses, you can wander between contemporary works, some of them monumental. An unusual cultural and architectural venue awaits you!
Find your accommodation at www.gites-seine-et-marne.com
