La Madeleine-Sur-Loing Between Nature and Heritage

The Prairie de Glandelles in La Madeleine-Sur-Loing is a nature area of several hectares, open to the public, on the banks of the Loing. It has been designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area). The site is a wetland.

Nature and Water on the Loing

A wooden boardwalk allows visitors to explore the prairie while respecting the natural environment. Two short discovery loops, measuring 0.5 and 1 kilometre, offer a clear choice based on the desired distance. You can tailor your walk to either of the two stated distances.

The Canal du Loing is also part of the area’s waterscape: the 50-kilometre canal, with 21 locks, passes through La Madeleine-Sur-Loing. On a walk along the canal, you can enjoy a view of a former watermill on the Loing. The mill is described as a former structure and historical landmark, not as an active business. By comparison, the loops have set distances, while the view of the former watermill is the distinctive feature of a walk along the canal.

Church, Cemetery and Traces of History

The Église Sainte-Madeleine was listed as a historic monument by decree dated 28 April 1926. There is also a 2.8-metre-high Hosannière cross in the village cemetery. There are only three such crosses in the Gâtinais. Its column and lectern are made from a single block of Château-Landon stone—a distinctive construction feature that sets this monument apart from other types of crosses.

Across the Loing lie the remains of the Chapelle de Glandelles. They have been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 18 March 1926. The Nozent Valley is another local archaeological landmark: it is home to 13 polissoirs, 12 of which have not yet been published.

The local quarries supplied hard limestone that takes on a pink appearance when polished. This stone was used for bridges, metro entrances and monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Cœur. The history of the local stone therefore extends beyond the commune to well-known buildings. On a walk through a forest, you can see a former castle tower. The walks also differ in their historical landmarks: in the forest, you can see a former castle tower, while along the canal, you can see a former watermill.

Annual Events and Getting There

A flea market is held every year in La Madeleine-Sur-Loing. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

For travel by train, Transilien services from Paris Gare de Lyon to the stations at Nemours, Bagneaux-sur-Loing or Souppes-sur-Loing are options. As train services may change, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Mammès, Nemours, Gretz-Armainvilliers, La Ferté-Sous-Jouarre, Dampmart, Bourron-Marlotte, Cerneux, Boutigny

Return to the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.