Seine-et-Marne is the largest department in Île-de-France and one of the regions with the highest concentration of châteaux. A vast expanse of forests, grain-growing plains and river valleys, it has always been a holiday destination for the aristocracy and the Parisian upper middle class, who built second homes and hunting lodges there within easy reach of the capital.
Fontainebleau is the undisputed jewel of the department: the favourite residence of François I, who had the largest Renaissance château in France built there, it was inhabited without interruption by every French sovereign up to Napoleon III. Its palace and forest, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcome millions of visitors every year. Vaux-le-Vicomte, a masterpiece by Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Nôtre built for Fouquet before he was arrested by Louis XIV, who was jealous of its splendour, is another major monument.
Seine-et-Marne is also home to numerous medieval castles along the Marne and the Seine, Brie manor houses and classical residences nestled in the forests of Fontainebleau and Sénart.