Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Melun (Melun (77288)) is a municipality in Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France (coordinates 48.5397°N, 2.6592°E; population 40,228). Visitors use Melun as a base to explore Île-de-France's historic town centers, regional markets, and culinary specialties such as Croissant & pain au chocolat, Bistro steak au poivre & confit de canard, Brie de Meaux.
Within Île-de-France Region (Seine-et-Marne region), Melun (Melun (77288)) serves as a commune in île-de-france region. Travelers exploring Île-de-France often combine a stop in Melun with regional highlights such as Eiffel Tower, Louvre & Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre, Le Marais & Saint-Germain, Palace of Versailles, Château de Fontainebleau.
| Fact | Details for Melun (Melun (77288)) |
|---|---|
| France Name | Melun (77288) (Melun) |
| Administrative Status | Commune in Île-de-France Region |
| Region & Capital | Île-de-France Region (Capital: Paris) |
| Region of France | Seine-et-Marne |
| Population | 40,228 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 48.5397°N, 2.6592°E |
Getting to Melun & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Paris Central Station (SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER)): Paris CDG & Orly airports; 6 major SNCF TGV terminals; Paris Métro, RER and Navigo Easy transit network.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Île-de-France Region, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Paris with Melun. Nationwide IC cards (Transit Card, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep €1,000 bills and €100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Île-de-France have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Melun en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Melun are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER station or airport in Île-de-France can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in France Guide.
What to Eat in Melun & Île-de-France
Melun shares the culinary traditions of Île-de-France Region and the wider Seine-et-Marne region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Croissant & pain au chocolat — a signature specialty across Île-de-France Region.
- Bistro steak au poivre & confit de canard — a signature specialty across Île-de-France Region.
- Brie de Meaux — a signature specialty across Île-de-France Region.
- Paris-Brest & macarons — a signature specialty across Île-de-France Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our France Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear France dietary explanations at restaurants in Melun.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Île-de-France: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.
Regional highlights across Île-de-France Region that pair well with a visit to Melun include: Eiffel Tower, Louvre & Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre, Le Marais & Saint-Germain, Palace of Versailles, Château de Fontainebleau.
Practical Travel Tips for Melun
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Melun (or at Paris Central Station (SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Melun accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and France Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Melun (Melun (77288)) located in France?
Melun (Melun (77288)) is a commune located in Île-de-France Region in the Seine-et-Marne region of France (coordinates: 48.5397°N, 2.6592°E). It has a population of approximately 40,228 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Melun by train?
Most visitors reach Melun via the main prefectural gateway of Paris Central Station (SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER). Paris CDG & Orly airports; 6 major SNCF TGV terminals; Paris Métro, RER and Navigo Easy transit network. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Melun. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER Fare Calculator.
What local food is Melun and Île-de-France known for?
In Melun and across Île-de-France Region, top local dishes include Croissant & pain au chocolat, Bistro steak au poivre & confit de canard, Brie de Meaux, as well as Paris-Brest & macarons. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Melun?
Best time to visit Île-de-France: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our France Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: