Estival du Lys
The Estival du Lys is a summer programme of three weeks of festive, friendly and sporting activities. The town welcomes several hundred visitors a day for games and entertainment.
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Dammarie-lès-Lys
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ℹ️Practical info — Dammarie-lès-Lys
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore the ruins of the Lys Abbey early in the morning for the best atmospheric lighting.
- The Fontainebleau forest is directly adjacent; rent a bike to seamlessly transition from the city to the woodland trails.
- Accessing the city is easy via the Melun train station nearby, from where you can take local buses.
- If you visit in autumn, the changing colors around the Seine riverbanks are handy for photography.
- The local market days near the town center are the best time to experience the town's lively vibe.
🍽 Food
🍽
Brie de Melun
Look for local fromageries in the city center or in neighboring Melun to taste this stronger, saltier cousin of Brie de Meaux.
🍽
Classic French Pastries
Pick up fresh croissants or a fruit tart from a traditional boulangerie along the main commercial streets.
🍽
Riverside Dining
Look for a traditional brasserie near the Seine for classic French dishes with a pleasant water view.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local Markets
Visit the outdoor markets for fresh regional produce, charcuterie, and seasonal fruits directly from local farmers.
🛍
Fontainebleau Forest Honey
Keep an eye out in local epiceries for honey produced from the diverse flora of the adjacent Fontainebleau forest.
🧘
Abbaye du Lys
The ruins of this 13th-century Cistercian abbey offer a peaceful, historic atmosphere great for quiet contemplation.
🧘
Parc de l'Ermitage
A serene park space handy for a relaxing afternoon walk away from the urban noise.
🧘
Forêt de Fontainebleau Trails
Head to the southern edge of town to immediately enter the quiet, shaded paths of the famous royal forest.
Water temperature…
Dammarie-lès-Lys is a serene yet bustling commune in the Seine-et-Marne department, situated on the banks of the River Seine and bordering the southern reaches of the Forest of Fontainebleau. The town's historical identity is deeply rooted in the 13th century, when Queen Blanche of Castile founded the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame-du-Lys. The romantic ruins of this abbey remain a central cultural landmark today. Geographically, the town gives a well-suited blend of riverside charm and woodland tranquility, making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and rock climbers visiting the nearby forest. Over the centuries, it evolved from a collection of hamlets into a modern residential and industrial hub. It gained contemporary fame across France as the location of the 'Star Academy' castle (Château des Vives-Eaux). Economically, the town is part of the Melun Val de Seine agglomeration, benefiting from robust transport links to Paris via the Melun station. The local government focuses on preserving its green heritage while promoting a diverse cultural program that includes music festivals and art exhibitions along the Seine quays.
- Location: Île-de-France, France
- Top sights: Abbaye du Lys · Château des Bouillants · Parc du Château des Soubiran
- Nearby: Vert-Saint-Denis (6 km)
- Population: ~23.559
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 48 | 52 | 41 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 57 | 42 | 59 | 60 | 66 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: approximately 23,559 residents as of 2021.
- The Royal Abbey of Lys was established in 1244.
- The commune covers an area of 10.24 square kilometers.
- Distance to the Palace of Fontainebleau: about 10 kilometers.
- Postal code: 77190 in the Seine-et-Marne department.
- Over 20% of the municipal area is covered by woodland.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Dammarie-lès-Lys (7)
Frequently asked questions
What are the ruins of the Abbaye du Lys?
They are the remains of a Cistercian nunnery founded in 1244 by Blanche of Castile.
Is Dammarie-les-lys near the Fontainebleau forest?
Yes, the city directly borders the forest, making it good for hiking and climbing trips.
How to get from Paris to Dammarie-les-lys?
By train (Line R) from Gare de Lyon to Melun, then by bus or a 20-minute walk.
What activities are available by the Seine?
There are developed riverside paths for walking, cycling, and several moorings for leisure boats.
Is the city historically known?
Yes, especially through the Château des Bouillants and the royal connections to the abbey.
Dammarie-lès-Lys: where is it located?
Dammarie-lès-Lys is located in Île-de-France, France.
Dammarie-lès-Lys: what is there to see?
Highlights include Abbaye du Lys, Château des Bouillants, Parc du Château des Soubiran.
Dammarie-lès-Lys: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Dammarie-lès-Lys: why is it worth visiting?
Dammarie-lès-Lys is a serene yet bustling commune in the Seine-et-Marne department, situated on the banks of the River Seine and bordering the southern reaches of the Forest of Fontainebleau.
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