Seine-et-Marne, Administrative department in Île-de-France, France
Seine-et-Marne is an administrative department in the eastern part of Île-de-France region, with Melun as its capital. The territory covers broad plains, forests like Fontainebleau, and several river valleys that wind between villages and farmland.
The department was created in March 1790 during the French Revolution from parts of the old provinces of Champagne and Île-de-France. Its boundaries have remained almost unchanged since then and the administrative structure was further refined during the 19th century.
The name joins two rivers, the Seine in the west and the Marne in the north, that shape the territory and supply many towns with water. Visitors often see families walking along the riverbanks on weekends or fishermen sitting at quiet spots under willows.
Travelers reach different towns by regional trains from Paris or by country roads that link villages and smaller cities. Many routes pass through open countryside, so a map or navigation system helps when moving between points of interest.
More than half the area is farmed, with endless grain fields that turn golden yellow especially in summer. Visitors often notice the shift between dense forests and wide open stretches when driving through the department.
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