A Guide to the Best Things to do in Moret-sur-Loing
Last Updated on 12th April 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Punctuated by a gently flowing stream and boasting several medieval keeps, Moret-sur-Loing is a dreamy medieval village which you can easily visit as a day trip from Paris. Here’s a history of Moret-sur-Loing, as well as the best things to do and what to know before visiting.
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Why you should visit Moret-sur-Loing
Picture perfect and an easy escape from the city, Moret-sur-Loing is a charming medieval destination which you can easily visit over the course of a few hours, or even an overnight stay if you’re looking to enjoy all of the village’s attractions at your own pace.
After all, as well as several riverside walks and a handful of museums, other highlights of Moret-sur-Loing include being able to follow in the footsteps of English impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley, and sample some of the local cuisine. If you enjoy photography, then you should also be sure to pack your camera as there’s plenty of scenes to snap photos of.
The Alfred Sisley Connection
Of all the acclaimed writers and painters to have visited Moret-sur-Loing over the centuries, the creator most associated with the delightful French town is Alfred Sisley on account of the fact that the British painter and artist actually lived close to the town from 1879 until his death in 1899. Today there is a bust to commemorate the impressionist painter on the corner of Place de Samois.
Best things to do in Moret-sur-Loing
Porte de Samois
Whether you’re arriving in Moret via car (Check here for the best car rental comparisons.) or via train, then the first glimpse of medieval architecture you’ll be rewarded upon your arrival in the town is that of Porte de Samois, which can be found on the square of Place de Samois. Wander through the gate and you’ll soon be along Grand Rue, which is the main thoroughfare through town.
Discover Moret’s town centre
It’s hard to get lost in Moret-sur-Loing due to the fact that the town is so tiny. The central road leads between two medieval gates and a wander between the two along the rue Grande will allow you to see the town hall (mairie), a building which Napoleon once stayed in, and several timber-framed houses dating back many centuries.
Musée du Sucre d’orge
For those wondering what to do in Moret sur Loing who love history, it’s worth noting that there are actually a handful of museums in Moret-sur-Loing, the most famous of which is that dedicated to the sweet of sucre d’orge.
This is a barley sugar treat created using a super secret recipe which dates back to 1638. Today, the museum can be found in a former mill in the heart of the gently flowing river Loing.
Walk along the Canal du Loing
If you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll into the French countryside during your time in Moret-sur-Loing, then I highly recommend taking the 2-3 km stroll Northward on Quai du Loing along the banks of the Canal du Loing to the Passerelle piétonne (pedestrian bridge) and back again on the other side.
Viaduc de Saint-Mammès
If you opt to walk along the Canal du Loing, then one of the more impressive architectural features that you’ll see on route is that of the Viaduc de Saint-Mammès. The viaduct was constructed between 1846 and 1848 and was opened to trains in 1849.
Notre Dame de la Nativité Church
Most French towns have a church (église in French) named ‘Notre Dame’ (Our Lady) and Moret is no exception. The church of Notre Dame de la Nativité was constructed between the 12th and 15th-centuries and is largely gothic in its architecture. Rather interestingly, the church was consecrated by Thomas Becket.
Donjon de Moret-sur-Loing
All that’s left of the castle which was once in place to protect the town and its surrounds is the Donjon (keep in English). The fortification was first constructed at the behest of King Louis VI in the latter half of the 12th-century.
Over the years, the castle played host to a myriad of French Kings including Louis VI, Philippe Auguste, Saint Louis, and Philippe IV le Bel. During the French Revolution, the keep was set on fire and fell into ruin until its restoration in the 1880s.
Today, the keep has been transformed into a family home, though is also available for rental as an events location and filming location. Several rooms have even been transformed into B&B rooms which you can rent to spend a night in. Discover more information on the Donjon’s website.
Porte de Bourgogne
The other remaining medieval gate in Moret-sur-Loing is that of Porte de Bourgogne (Burgundy Gate). The medieval structure leads onto a bridge which crosses the River Loing (a tributary of the Seine). Once upon a time, Moret-sur-Loing would have been fully walled and would have boasted no fewer than twenty watchtowers/ gates.
Parks along the River Loing
On the fringes of the medieval city centre, there are several parks along the banks of the river Loing. These are simply delightful on a sunny afternoon and are the perfect place to sit and enjoy a picnic.
We personally purchased takeaway beers from the nearby bar of La Porte de Bourgogne bar and enjoyed them on the banks of the river.
How to visit Moret-sur-Loing as a day trip from Paris
Situated close to Fontainebleau forest and around an hour away from Paris by train, it couldn’t be easier to take a day trip from Paris to Moret-sur-Loing. You simply need to hop on a train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon as the town is around 65 km south east of the French capital.
The train station you need to get off at is Gare Morêt /Veneux-Les-Sablons, which is around a fifteen to twenty minute walk from Moret-sur-Loing’s historic town centre.
Due to administrative changes over the past decade, Moret-sur-Loing is no longer considered a town in of its self but is instead classed as being part of the larger town of Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne.
Alternatively, you can drive to the town at Place Samois, which is also where you can begin your visit to the quaint French town. If you’re looking for even more information about the settlement, then you might consider checking out the tourist office (4Bis Place de Samois, 77250 Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne).
Frequently asked questions about Moret-sur-Loing
What is the population of Moret-sur-Loing?
As of 2017, the population of Moret sur Loing was 4,326.
What are the best free things to do in Moret-sur-Loing?
Those visiting Moret sur Loing on a budget will be pleased to know that there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer. Some of the best free things to do in Moret-sur-Loing include wandering alongside the river, admiring the ancient city walls, and strolling along the main high street to go window shopping.
Is Moret-sur-Loing safe to visit?
Moret-sur-Loing is generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe, though petty crime can still occur. Visitors should be especially wary of pickpockets (pickpockets operate all over Europe and so you should always keep your things close, particularly in crowds). Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.
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Yes, now the statue of Alfred Sisley is located at the tourist office. But originally this statue wasinstalled near the house 1 Rue Edmond Dupray. The pedestal has been preserved.