Melun facts for kids
Melun is a historic city in France. It is the main city, or capital, of the Seine-et-Marne area, which is part of the Île-de-France region. Melun is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Paris. It sits right on a bend of the Seine river, between two regions called Brie and Gâtinais. The city's elevation ranges from 37 to 102 metres (121 to 335 feet) above sea level. In 1999, about 37,500 people lived there.
Melun is famous for making a special kind of Brie cheese called Brie de Melun. This cheese is a bit saltier than another famous one, Brie de Meaux. Since 1945, Melun has also been home to a school where police officers are trained. The city also has companies that work in pharmaceuiticals (making medicines) and aviation (things related to airplanes). There is also a prison in the city.
The first time Melun was mentioned in history was in 52 BC, when it was called Melodunum. Its modern name, Melun, comes from the name Meluneum, which it had in the 6th century. A powerful king named Clovis I made Melun an important area called a duchy. He also ordered strong fortifications (defensive walls) to be built there. This made the city even more important. However, Melun also faced many raids from Vikings, especially in 852 and 866.
On March 4, 1790, when the Seine-et-Marne area was officially created, Melun became its capital city.
Learning and Training in Melun
Melun is home to a campus of the École nationale de l'aviation civile. This is a special school where people learn about civil aviation, which means flying and managing non-military aircraft.
Getting Around Melun
Images for kids
-
This is the Melun Shield, which dates back to the 15th century. It shows a castle with three towers on a blue background with golden fleurs-de-lis. Melun was one of the first strongholds of the French royal family. The motto means "faithful to the walls even to the rats," which reminds us of the siege in 1420 when people had to eat rats to survive!
-
This is the Lycée Jacques-Amyot, a high school in Melun.
See also
In Spanish: Melun para niños
