Vaux-le-Pénil sits on the high ground above the Seine, just east of Melun, in the Seine-et-Marne department. From the edge of the plateau, you can look down on the river as it winds through its valley, with Melun on its island and the forest of Fontainebleau stretching away to the south.
The town has a château, rebuilt in the eighteenth century, and a few old streets, but it is mostly residential, part of the Melun urban area. The plateau around it is part of the Brie, the flat, fertile region east of Paris famous for its cheese. Brie de Melun, stronger and saltier than its better-known cousin, Brie de Meaux, is made in the area.
As a high point, the edge of the plateau above the Seine offers views over the valley and the forest. The roads down to the river are short and winding, and the routes across the plateau are open and fast. Surfaces are generally good, and traffic can be heavy around Melun, but quieter on the minor roads.
The forest of Fontainebleau, just to the south, is one of the most beautiful forests in France, with oak, beech and pine woods, sandstone boulders and gorges. Its roads are long and straight or gently curving, and they are a pleasure to ride, though weekend traffic and speed limits require care. Fuel and food are available in Vaux-le-Pénil and Melun.