The Seine-et-Marne, the East of Paris!

Can you guess the riddle? Which French county with direct access to Paris, formerly land of lords and Kings, land of arts, has 2 UNESCO world heritage sites, lovely landscapes, wonderful natural settings, great events all year round, is home to Disneyland� Paris but also has an authentic lifestyle?

Discover!The land here has been home to kings, lords and courtiers who have built their residences and abodes amid magnificent grounds in this beautiful countryside a short distance from Paris. A number of wonderful sites await you: two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Fontainebleau palace and the medieval town of Provins; the most beautiful private ch�teau in France at Vaux le Vicomte; the Ch�teau de Ferri�res – a Rothschild estate, the bishopric of Meaux with its cathedral, and the only castle of its kind in the region at Blandy-les-Tours.Have fun!Within easy reach of Disneyland� Paris is a real-life adventure park that promises exciting leisure action! Prepare to be amazed by a range of activities you won’t find anywhere else in France: Europe’s largest big-cat park, Europe’s leading motor sports centre in La Fert� Gaucher, stylish shopping outlets at La Vall�e Village, one of Europe’s most amazing UNESCO biosphere reserves in Fontainebleau forest, and more. Music lovers, history buffs and thrill-seekers will also find a range of outstanding events to enjoy all year round.Treat yourself with tasty experiences!The Seine-et-Marne is a visual and a taste experience. From the fresh produce to the flavoursome cuisine, from craftsmen to the arts, rural g�tes to attractive privately-run hotels and accommodation with a traditional touch at the “Logis de France”, our speciality dishes combined with a warm welcome make the Seine-et-Marne a land of gourmet cuisine, authenticity and creativity.Cheeses from Brie, the famous mustard from Meaux, the roses used to make the specialities from Provins, sweets from Fontainebleau, barley sugars from Moret-sur-Loing… each one a delicacy with names that conjure up their quintessential origins, redolent of authenticity and tradition. If you are looking for wholesome local cuisine or a more sophisticated touch, it can be savoured in any one of our many gourmet and Michelin-starred restaurants. Admire…Visitors to the Seine-et-Marne can enjoy a wealth of artistic and architectural styles from a variety of periods, with splendours from the past, avant-garde works and contemporary pieces, and more.Painters in the XIXth century sought light and natural landscapes as they strove for inspiration. Discover the delightful village of Barbizon and the pictorial world of landscape artists and colourists such as Corot, Millet and Rousseau, the romantic village of Moret-sur-Loing associated with the Impressionist painter Sisley, the Grand Morin valley and its great masters such as Toulouse-Lautrec and van Gogh, enticed by the light this location offers. Today, there are many venues that form an indelible part of the contemporary art scene, such as Galleria Continua, a focal point for major international art events, and the Espace Artevie international contemporary art centre. Two nights for the price of one in Seine-et-Marne!On weekends from November 2010 to March 2011, around 20 dynamic hotel-keepers in Seine-et-Marne offer 2 nights for the price of one. From 2 to 4 stars, the hotels are mostly located near the major tourist sites. See www.tourisme77.co.uk.Great events to comeFrom 2 October to 12 December Joan Mir� exhibition at the Espace d’Art Contemporain International in Lorrez-le-Bocage. A reconstitution of the artist’s workshop is part of this exceptional exhibition.New! Your artistic day departing from Paris: discover a unique exhibition around Joan Mir�, the new house of Jean Cocteau in Milly-la-For�t and Barbizon painter’s village. See www.resa77.fr.From 13 October to 17 January 2011        HENRI IV IN FONTAINEBLEAU: Exhibition and theme tour of the ch�teau’s suites and grounds.A unique exhibition that brings you in secret places of the Palace!6 and 7 November“Chocolate thrills” in Vaux le Vicomte Castle, the “most beautiful private ch�teau” in FranceWorkshops, demonstrations and tasting sessions are on the programme for all gourmets, in a superb setting.From 1st to 30 NovemberSeine-et-Marne’s Autumn of Tastes“Autumn of Flavours” invites you to taste the generous, delicious palette of our local products through special and specially designed menus by around 40 Seine-et-Marne restaurateurs! For more information about the Seine-et-Marne, see www.tourisme77.co.uk