Glacerie Melun
About
Glacerie Melun is a charming artisanal ice cream shop in the historic town of Melun, beloved by locals for its homemade gelato and creative flavors made with quality ingredients. Perfect for a sweet treat after exploring nearby Fontainebleau or as a refreshing stop during your Ile-de-France adventures, this affordable gelateria offers a taste of authentic French ice cream culture that kids and parents alike will love.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic French artisanal gelato made fresh on site
- ✓Wide variety of creative and traditional flavors
- ✓Affordable treat for the whole family
- ✓Charming local atmosphere away from tourist traps
- ✓Quality ingredients and homemade recipes
Pro Tips
- 1.Learn a few basic French phrases like 'une boule' (one scoop) and 'deux boules' (two scoops) to help kids practice ordering, most staff are patient with English speakers.
- 2.Visit on weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds when local families line up after lunch.
- 3.Ask for a taste (un petit goût) before committing to a flavor, staff are typically happy to offer samples.
- 4.Bring cash as smaller artisanal shops in France sometimes have card minimums or prefer cash payments.
- 5.Melun is just 30 minutes from Paris by train, making this an easy addition to a day trip to Vaux-le-Vicomte castle or Fontainebleau.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm offer the shortest wait times. Summer months are busiest but also feature the most extensive flavor selection. Avoid Sunday afternoons when local families crowd in after lunch.
What to Know
Budget friendly at just a few euros per scoop. Seating may be limited, so plan to enjoy your treats while strolling through Melun's charming old town streets nearby.
Seasonal Notes
Open year round, though hours may be reduced in winter months. Summer brings the largest flavor selection and longer opening hours. Check ahead for specific holiday closures.
Nearby Eats
Visit nearby Place Saint Jean for several family friendly cafes with outdoor seating, or pack a picnic to enjoy along the Seine riverbanks just a short walk away.
More Activities Near Melun
Crêperie du Vieux Melun
This traditional French crêperie offers families an authentic taste of France in a welcoming, cozy setting perfect for introducing kids to French cuisine. Children love customizing their own sweet or savory crêpes, from simple Nutella options to heartier galettes filled with ham and cheese, making it an interactive and delicious dining experience the whole family can enjoy.
Château de Fontainebleau
Château de Fontainebleau offers families a magical journey through 800 years of French royal history in a stunning palace that's less crowded than Versailles. Kids can explore vast gardens perfect for running around, discover ornate rooms where Napoleon once lived, and participate in family-friendly treasure hunt activities that bring history to life.
Forest Arena | Parc de loisirs IDF | Accrobranche 77
Forest Arena is an exhilarating treetop adventure park near Melun where families can swing through the forest canopy on zip-lines, navigate rope bridges, and tackle obstacle courses together. With multiple courses designed for different skill levels, everyone from cautious beginners to fearless climbers can enjoy an afternoon of outdoor adventure in the beautiful Ile-de-France countryside.
Médiathèque Astrolabe
Médiathèque Astrolabe is a welcoming community library in the heart of Melun that offers much more than books. With dedicated children's sections, interactive story times in French, creative workshops, and modern digital resources, it provides a wonderful opportunity for families to experience French culture while supporting literacy and learning in a calm, air-conditioned environment.