A stay in Le Mée-Sur-Seine can put cultural history and nature at its heart. The connection to sculptor Henri Chapu is especially striking: his life story, the Church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité, the Henri-Chapu Museum and even the name of a walking route all refer to him. Natural areas and a range of transport options are also worth considering when planning your trip.
The Church and Henri Chapu
The Church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité was completed in 1889 on the foundations of an earlier church built in 1771. The dates mark two phases of construction: 1771 refers to the previous building, while 1889 marks the completion of the later church. Several works by Henri Chapu, who was born in Le Mée-Sur-Seine, make up the main part of the high altar. The organ also has its own place in history: it was built in 1900 by Henri Didier of Épinal.
The Henri-Chapu Museum preserves works that Chapu donated to his hometown during his lifetime. It presents the sculptor’s drawings, models and casts. Chapu lived from 1833 to 1891 and won the Prix de Rome in 1855. The church and museum focus on different aspects: several of his works are featured at the high altar, while the collection also includes drawings, models and casts. Together, they offer different ways to understand Chapu’s connection to his hometown.
Natural Areas and Walking Route
Natural areas make up more than a third of Le Mée-Sur-Seine. The town is laid out around the ten-hectare Parc de Meckenheim, and the banks of the Seine are considered sensitive natural areas.
One specific way to get active is the 13-kilometre circular route “Le tour du Mée – Sur les pas d’Henri Chapu.” It is marked in blue and designated as a Chemin de Petite Randonnée. Its length makes it a distinct option to consider when planning your trip. The subtitle “Sur les pas d’Henri Chapu” refers to the sculptor born in Le Mée-Sur-Seine.
Getting Around
Le Mée-Sur-Seine has RER, Melibus, La Navette and local taxis. In addition, the network of low-impact transport routes is continuously being expanded; these routes are completely separate from road traffic. You can therefore take several factors into account when planning your mobility: the named transport services and a network of routes that is separated from road traffic. Before travelling, check the latest timetables and details for the connections you need, as routes and names may change.
If you’re looking for hotels in Le Mée-Sur-Seine, first decide what you want to focus on: Chapu’s art and the church’s history, the natural surroundings or the 13-kilometre circular route.
Discover more destinations: Chailly-en-Brie, Saint-Mard, Sainte-Colombe, Villeneuve-Saint-Denis, Champeaux, Isles-Lès-Villenoy, Meaux, La Rochette.
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
