77 - Seine-et-Marne walks

It is a short, relatively easy circuit exploring some curiosities of the forest of Fontainebleau around the Avon SNCF train station, namely the views over the Croix du Calvaire, the Sponge Rock, Denecourt Tower and fountains. One could also call it the fountain circuit.

As the name suggests, is this route ascends 25 mounds that form a circuit of the of the Trois Pignons forest. A hike amid the rocks that makes an excellent training run before mountain hikes in the summer.
N.B. The elevation is underestimated: between 800 and 900 metres total cumulative change in altitude. It’s difficult to find a larger change in altitude in the Ile-de-France, unless you want to take the steps up and down the Eiffel Tower three times on the trot. Expect to be walking for 6 to 7 hours.

Long but very nice hike station to station in the Forest of Fontainebleau. It goes through several viewpoints, ponds, little known corners, stunning scenery.

This quite long route allows you to discover exceptional sites such as the Rempart du Restant du Long Rocher ('the rampart of the remainder of Long Rock'), Béatrix Cave and Carrosse Rock. You will also go past magnificent viewpoints, rarely visited walkways and some beautiful ponds, typical of the forest.

Fontainebleau forest is one of the most beautiful French forests thanks to its varied landscapes and, in particular, its sandstone blocks. This hike circles the Apremont gorges along the Colinet-Denecourt path N°6 and lets you enjoy it in all its beauty and fragility, the latter due both to natural erosion and human use, and is near the Paris region.

The Massif des Trois Pignons is situated on the edge of Fontainebleau forest. The walk takes you past the Rocher des Guetteurs, the Sables du Cul du Chien, the Diplodocus, and the Rocher de la Tortue.

Bombon is not only a church and a typical village in Plateau Briard but also a castle, and the holiday destination in 1909 for an emigrant known as Vladimir-Ilyich Ulyanov, or Lenin.

A circuit to the east of Lorrez-le-Bocage, along the Lunain in places with views of Lorrez-le-Bocage both to the south and north. The starting point is the car park in Place de la République in Lorrez-le-Bocage.

Starting from an old retreat which has been visited since the 11th century, this hike allows you to explore the Gorges de Franchard and the surrounding areas. Winding through rocks and several rock shelters such as the well-known Antre des Druides.
N.B. The difference in altitude is probably higher than stated: roughly 100 metres and a 2 hour walk.

A hike mostly along rivers with a connection by the slopes of the Grand Morin and Marne valleys offering beautiful views of the region. Crossing through some of the villages, including Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames and Quincy-Voisins, lets you explore some interesting elements of their architectural heritage.

From the Ermitage de Franchard, this is a very varied hike which will take you past old sandstone quarries, the Gorges du Houx and the charming Mare aux Pigeons. On the route are several vast viewing points, numerous spectacular rocks and the curious Grotte du Serment cave.

N.B. The elevation and the time shown appear to be under-estimated: count on about 250 meters and 4 hours of walking.

Depart from the Maison Forestière de Maintenon for a 16 km walk.

Mostly dating from the late Middle Ages, fortified farms are a typical part of the architectural heritage of the Brie region. This walk takes you past several such farms, including the Fief de Bois-Poussin stronghold, and gives you the chance to discover the rich heritage of Nangis with its ancient fortified castle, church and market halls. The walk takes you along paths between fields and small roads with little traffic, and along the banks of the brooks that wind through this farming plain.

The very enjoyable scent of pine is everywhere. And the small sand dune that I would the "Little Dune of Pyla" is lovely.

A hike through the vast open areas of the Briarde countryside with large rolling hills and views as far as the eye can see, followed by shaded areas in the valley and on the Grand Morin hillsides. Pieces of the architectural heritage along the way, churches, mills and wash-houses, make the trip that more worthwhile.

The hike can be shortened to a 15 km walk, or split into two, one 8 km and the other 12 km (see useful information).

A pretty hike in the Massif des Trois Pignons, on the edge of Fontainebleau forest.

Hiking along a bend of the river Marne. The circuit follows along streams in its first part, then crosses part of the Montceaux forest. There are beautiful panoramic vistas at every break in the tree cover.

A course over hills, with beautiful views of the Massif des Trois Pignons. Passages on platières in the middle of the moor with an unobstructed view, interspersed with passages in undergrowth and amid boulders. A varied, rather sporty hike.
N.B. The drop is probably underestimated: expect something more in the order of 300 metres.