Samois-Sur-Seine: History, the Seine and activities

Samois-sur-Seine offers several distinct highlights for a stay: religious architectural history, a cultural and historical walking tour, Belle Époque villas along the banks of the Seine, walking and cycling routes, and activities on the water. There are also equestrian activities and the Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival. If you are looking for a hotel, you can start planning your trip around your main reason for visiting: local history, outdoor activities, water activities or an event date.

Church, walking tour and historic buildings

The Church of Saint-Hilaire–Saint-Loup was founded in 1068 and retains architectural elements from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Its architecture therefore spans several centuries. Also classified as historic monuments are the 12th-century monolithic statue of the Virgin and Child and the 14th-century crucifix. Together, these dates provide a specific historical framework for the town’s cultural heritage.

Along the banks of the Seine in Samois-sur-Seine are Belle Époque villas, including the well-known “Affolantes.” Historic riverside villas are therefore among the local sights, alongside the town’s religious architectural heritage. Those interested in these subjects will find both individually named buildings and objects, as well as an opportunity to discover the town’s history in context.

The cultural and historical walking tour is intended for residents and visitors, introducing them to the town’s history. Panels at various heritage sites explain each location and its history. The tour thus links several historical points of interest rather than focusing on a single building. Check the condition of the signs before your visit.

On foot, by bike and on the water

Samois-sur-Seine has 29 walking paths with a total length of 4,100 metres. The network may be updated locally, so check current trail conditions if your plans depend on a particular path. The walking paths complement the cultural and historical tour, offering a separate way to explore Samois-sur-Seine on foot.

For cyclists, the Scandibérique South Seine&Marne route passes through Bas-Samois. The Scandibérique is an almost 60-kilometre cycling route that follows the Seine and runs along the Loing. These route details refer to different geographical scales: the section through Bas-Samois is specifically identified, while the length and riverside course describe the route as a whole. Check current surface conditions and detours before setting out.

Carré Nautique offers canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at the Barbeau base. Check operating details and booking arrangements in advance so you can match the activity to your travel dates. This gives visitors staying for water activities a choice of three named options.

The river stop in Samois-sur-Seine welcomes a number of tourist boats throughout the year. If a boat visit is part of your plans, confirm mooring arrangements in advance. This distinguishes the year-round offer from water activities that depend on the season and booking availability.

Equestrian activities and festival dates

Les Écuries de Samois offers riding lessons from beginner level to competition level. Younger children can enjoy rides on Shetland ponies. The two options cater to different ages and levels of experience; check lesson availability directly, along with the age requirements and availability for pony rides.

The Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival takes place every year as a five-day event around the last weekend in June; dates and venues may change. In 2026, Samois-sur-Seine also hosted the festival’s opening night. During the event, free concerts and entertainment were held throughout the town. If the festival is the reason for your trip, confirm the specific event dates before scheduling your hotel search.

The trip’s themes can be clearly distinguished: architectural history and the walking tour offer a cultural focus, the walking paths and cycling route focus on outdoor activity, and the waterside options provide additional activities.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin, Tancrou, Provins, Rozay-en-Brie, Servon, Crégy-lès-Meaux, Vaires-Sur-Marne, Bougligny

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.