In Samois-Sur-Seine, church art spanning several centuries meets Belle Époque villas along the Seine and options for exploring on foot, by bike or on the water. For your stay, you can focus on local history, outdoor activities or the Django Reinhardt Festival.
Church Art and Villas Along the Seine
The church of Saint-Hilaire–Saint-Loup was founded in 1068 and preserves architectural elements from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Listed as historic monuments are a monolithic 12th-century statue of the Virgin and Child and a 14th-century crucifix. Their different dates provide a guide to placing the church ensemble in its historical context.
The banks of the Seine in Samois-Sur-Seine are also home to Belle Époque villas, including the well-known “Affolantes.” They offer a different architectural emphasis from the church and its artworks. Those who want to focus on culture and architecture can therefore explore sacred art and Belle Époque villas as two distinct aspects of the town.
Local History and Walking Routes
The cultural and historical trail introduces residents and visitors to the town’s history. Signs explaining each site and its history are displayed in front of various locations of heritage significance. Check the condition of the signs before your visit.
The walking network comprises 29 trails with a total length of 4,100 metres. These figures give a concrete impression of the network; as it may be updated locally, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.
Cycling, Water Sports and Horse Riding
The Scandibérique Sud Seine&Marne passes through Bas-Samois. The Scandibérique is an almost 60-kilometre-long cycling route that follows the Seine and runs along the Loing. Check current surface conditions and detours before setting off.
At the Barbeau base, Carré Nautique offers canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Check opening times and booking arrangements before planning your visit. The river stop in Samois-Sur-Seine welcomes some tourist boats throughout the year; confirm mooring conditions before arrival.
Les Écuries de Samois offers riding lessons from beginner level to competition level. Younger children can enjoy rides on Shetland ponies. Check age requirements and availability in advance. Water sports, boat reception and horse-riding activities each have their own planning requirements.
Festival and When to Visit
The Django Reinhardt Festival takes place every year as a five-day event around the last weekend of June. Dates and venues may change, so check the current calendar when planning a specific trip. In 2026, Samois-Sur-Seine continued to host the opening night. During the event, free concerts and activities were held throughout the town.
If you want to focus on culture, the church, villas and cultural and historical trail make up a combined itinerary. Then plan your travel dates around your chosen focus.
Discover more destinations: Le Plessis-Placy, La Rochette, Saint-Martin-du-Boschet, Lognes, Les Chapelles-Bourbon, Villeneuve-Saint-Denis, Melun, Seine-Port
For the wider travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
