Private Guided Tour of the Medieval Town of Moret-sur-Loing
Between medieval fortifications, Renaissance façades and landscapes that inspired the
Impressionists, Moret-sur-Loing reveals an exceptional heritage at the gateway to the
Fontainebleau Forest.
This private guided tour invites you to discover one of the most charming historic towns in
the Île-de-France region, where royal history, fascinating anecdotes and artistic atmosphere
come together.
Nestled along the banks of the Loing River, Moret-sur-Loing still preserves its fortified gates,
ramparts, keep and picturesque streets, bearing witness to its important strategic role in the
history of the French kingdom.
A royal town in the Middle Ages
In the 12th century, King Louis VI ordered the construction of the royal keep in order to
strengthen Capetian royal power against the Counts of Champagne based in nearby
Montereau.
His son, Louis VII, later began the construction of the Church of Notre-Dame, which was
continued under Philip Augustus, who also commissioned the town’s first stone fortifications.
Located close to the frontier between the royal domain and the County of Champagne,
Moret-sur-Loing became a major strategic stronghold until Champagne was permanently
integrated into the French royal domain in the 14th century.
The Capetian kings frequently stayed in their “royal house” at Moret before later favoring
Fontainebleau and the Forest of Bière.
Royal intrigues, legends and famous figures
Moret-sur-Loing is also a town filled with remarkable stories and mysterious historical
figures.
The tour explores:
- Jacqueline de Bueil, favorite of King Henry IV,
- Antoine de Bourbon, their legitimized son,
- Nicolas Fouquet, imprisoned in the town during his trial,
- Napoleon Bonaparte during his return from Elba,
- the famous “Moorish Nun of Moret” and the legends surrounding her.
Between the fortified gates of Bourgogne and Samois, the Raccolet and Chabouillé houses,
the mills, the royal keep, the Church of Notre-Dame and the famous Barley Sugar House,
every corner of the town reveals stories connected to major figures of French history.
Visitors also discover the secrets of Moret’s famous barley sugar sweets, considered among
the oldest traditional candies still produced in France today.
Moret-sur-Loing and the Impressionists
In the 19th century, the light and scenery of Moret attracted many artists, especially Alfred
Sisley, who found here one of his favorite sources of inspiration.
The painter immortalized the bridges, riverbanks and streets of the town in several
masterpieces of Impressionism, helping establish Moret-sur-Loing as an important artistic
destination.
A walk through heritage, history and French art de vivre
This private guided tour includes:
- the medieval fortifications and city gates,
- the royal keep,
- the Church of Notre-Dame,
- Renaissance façades and historical inscriptions,
- places associated with famous historical figures,
- the artistic and Impressionist heritage of Moret-sur-Loing.
Throughout the walk along the streets and riverbanks, historical anecdotes, royal stories,
local legends and artistic references bring this charming town to life.
Practical information
- Private tours upon reservation
- Tours available in French, English, Russian and Armenian
Meeting point:
In front of the Tourist Office
4 bis Place de Samois
77250 Moret-sur-Loing
Access
By train:
From Paris Gare de Lyon to Moret–Veneux-les-Sablons station (approximately 45 minutes).
By car:
Accessible via the A6 motorway (Fontainebleau exit), the A5 motorway or the N6 road from
Fontainebleau (approximately 10 km).
Bookings
To check my availability and make a reservation, please email me at
reservation@visite-guidee.com
