Claude L2.
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Published route(s)
Ponds, lakes, the banks of the Marne: natural spaces in the heart of Marne-la-Vallée
An easily accessible hike via the RER A, almost entirely on footpaths, trails or pedestrian routes. A highly flexible route: a circular 19 km loop, which can be shortened to 14 km or less thanks to several shortcut options, or extended to almost 30 km if you take all the suggested options.
Beautiful waterside scenery, with numerous birds, some remarkable trees and the listed architectural sites of the former Menier chocolate factory and the Ferme du Buisson.
Rouge Gazon circular to Lac d'Alfeld
A very beautiful circular trail with a wide variety of landscapes: beech and fir forests, meadows and pastures, and Vosges lakes nestled in their green surroundings. The trails themselves are equally varied: steep and rocky, wide and gently sloping, or narrow paths between the trees. Some beautiful viewpoints. Several possible stops in inns (check closing days) or mountain huts.
Red-Gazon Circular Route – Rimbach – Belacker
A lovely circular route that begins with a walk past the very pretty Lac des Perches, through a charming little village (with a restaurant), through beautiful forests with impressive rock formations (the Forêt des Volcans) and along ridges with views of the three major peaks of the Southern Vosges: Servance, d’Alsace and the Grand.
Perhaps a little long, but two shortcuts are suggested which reduce the hike by at least 1½ hours and 200m of elevation gain.
Red-Gazon, Sun King and Devil’s Kitchen circular loop
A long walk passing several remarkable fir trees, forests and pastures, a beautiful 360° viewpoint, fountains, waterfalls and even a cave.
Grand Tour of Ermenonville
A long and beautiful route, very varied, mainly through woodland but also with sections across fields, past remarkable sites (Ermenonville Castle, Chaalis Abbey), through beautiful oak groves, and through ‘Fontainebleau’-style landscapes with rocky outcrops and sandy sections.
A hike intended for very experienced walkers. The terrain is, however, easy and there are many shortcuts available.
Red Gazon circular loop via Gazon Vert
A circular route alternating between forest paths and open stretches with lovely views.
Historical points of interest include the site of the unfinished Urbès tunnel (a pleasant discovery trail) and the 18th-century oil mill (check for visiting days and times).
Takamizuyama in the Okutama area on the outskirts of Tokyo
A 4-hour walk (not including stops) with the big advantage of starting at one station and arriving at another: no need to take a bus to access the hike (rare in the region).
Beautiful sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) forests with stunning views, temples and shrines.
The route is well marked and signposted at all intersections.
Important: the Japanese names are given in one of the photos; you will need them to follow the signs.
Mounts Oogiyama and Momokurayama between Torisawa and Saruhashi stations
Just 1 hour 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo, this is a beautiful, wild and challenging walk, during which – provided it isn’t hidden by the clouds – you can admire Mount Fuji.
Mount Jimba and Mount Takao
A classic route in the Takao region. The route starts at the foot of Mount Jimba, then follows the ridge line with a few peaks and passes, offering beautiful views of the Tokyo metropolis to the east and Mount Fuji to the south-west. The route ends at Mount Takao, after which there is a wide choice of routes back down to the station, including a funicular.
Grand tour of Mourre Nègre from Auribeau
This hike takes you to the highest section of the Luberon ridge. 360° panoramic views. The route is often shaded by holm oak forests and some beautiful pine forests, which is pleasant in hot weather. Several open sections offer views to the south or north. This very natural hike is fairly easy, except for the slightly significant elevation gain, but this is intentional, intended for those who are not afraid of a little effort.
Marne loop around Thorigny and the Statues of La Dhuys
A circular walk from Lagny-Thorigny station, with a beautiful variety of landscapes. Beautiful view of the Marne valley from the cute little village of Carnetin. Chalifert tunnel and lock. And the exceptional Dhuys sculpture garden, which alone is worth the trip.
The Grand Tour of Château de Joux
This route connects the four most beautiful viewpoints around Château de Joux. Views of the castle from every angle, as well as superb panoramas of the Doubs valley and the Fer à Cheval gorge. If you have time, you can add a visit to the castle (1 to 1½ hours). The Sandor site and the church at Oye-et-Pallet further enhance this walk.
Kitadake, Japan’s second-highest peak
Superb views of Mount Fuji and the whole of the Southern Alps. My best hike in Japan. Whilst not technically difficult, it does require a bit of effort, but every step counts. Unlike other hikes that are a bit of a rollercoaster, here you just keep climbing. You therefore pass through all the vegetation zones fairly quickly: classic mixed forests, birch forests, then shrubby areas before reaching the final zone of rocks and low-growing plants.
Daïbosatsu-tôgé from Senzan
The walk offers superb views (weather permitting) as you follow the ridge for about 2km, taking an hour if you take your time. This is quite rare at this altitude, where you are usually in the forest. Views, of course, of Mount Fuji, which is completely clear right down to its base, but also to the east over the whole of Tokyo, and to the west over the Yamanashi conurbation and the entire Southern Alps range.
A double circular loop in the shape of a figure of 8 starting from Purgerot
A varied walk through woods, meadows and farmland, passing through four villages rich in wayside shrines, superb wash houses, chapels and churches, some of which feature original architecture, such as the church in Chargey with its added Greco-Roman pediment, or the church in Gesincourt, which also serves as the town hall.
Special feature: the figure-of-eight route offers the flexibility to walk the entire circuit or just one of the two circular loops.
Les Sucettes de Borne
This is an easy hike, whose main attraction is the superb site of the Sucettes de Borne, narrow, vertical rock formations several dozen metres high, defying the laws of gravity. The trails are very pleasant, with contrasting vegetation: on the south side, semi-Mediterranean with forests mainly populated by pine trees; on the north side, a beautiful mixed forest of fir and beech trees, with lots of boxwood.
La Hottée du Diable from Villeneuve-sur-Fère
A very varied walk, the main highlight of which is the Hottée du Diable sandstone boulder field (a mini Fontainebleau). The rest of the walk alternates between forests, meadows and farmland, crosses several streams, and takes in a fine variety of churches and chapels. There are also numerous remains of cave dwellings and the ruins of an abbey at Val Chrétien.
This is also the home of Camille and Paul Claudel, whose house can be visited during the season and on opening days.
Versigny Castle from Ormoy-Villers
Two very contrasting sections: first, the two rocky areas encountered in beautiful forests, at the Pierre du Coq, then the Pierre Glissoire. Two beautiful châteaux reached via cultivated fields: the Grande Ferme in Droizelles and Vertigny, an important historical site. Little elevation gain, very easy paths, even in wet weather. Option to shorten the route by almost 4 km.
From the Joan of Arc Basilica to Les Faux
A rich and varied route, starting from the Joan of Arc Basilica, taking you to see the strange, twisted beech trees of Sionne (much less famous, and therefore less popular than the Faux de Verzy), through beautiful, unspoilt forests and a few pastures, to discover a well-hidden dolmen. The tour concludes with a visit to Domrémy-la-Pucelle.
Tardevant circular via Grande Forclaz
A superb walk that culminates at Tardevant, passing through two valleys with very contrasting landscapes. The most exceptional is the Grande Forclaz. The Tardevant valley is more classic.
Caution: the passage between the two valleys is exposed and, although not particularly difficult, is reserved for experienced hikers.
Avoid in bad weather or when the ground is wet.
A corner of Morvan around Lormes
An easy route visiting the Narvau Gorges and Waterfall, several ponds, beautiful forests, and a few fields and pastures. We will finish with a visit to the church and the panoramic viewpoint of Mont Saint-Alban.Requires a good sense of direction and, if possible, the use of the GPX track.
From Noisy-le-Grand to Gagny and Mont Guichet
A surprising walk which, on the map, looks very urban, but which, with very few exceptions, avoids tarmac roads. You’ll come across many remarkable buildings, passing from one green space to another – some landscaped (the Croissant Vert) and others wild (the Haute-Île) – and finish with a circular route along well-marked trails through the former gypsum quarries of Mont Guichet, which have been abandoned for decades.
Circular walk between Nogent-l’Artaud and La Chapelle-sur-Chézy
A circular route comprising half farmland and half woodland, also passing through a few large Briard farms and some unusual livestock farms (deer, pheasants), skirting a beautiful pond in a very wild setting, and ending at the ruins of a 13th–14th-century abbey.
Circular loop around Chaumes-en-Brie starting from Verneuil-l'Étang
A long but easy walk, which can be shortened by 5 km and/or 4 km, bringing the total distance down to 15 or 20 km depending on preference. With a great variety of landscapes and trail types, it offers the chance to discover numerous architectural curiosities in different styles.
Circular starting from Savignies
A lovely walk through pastures, hedgerow paths and forests of many different species, including some beautiful large trees, some of which are certainly centuries old. It is also an opportunity to pass through two beautiful villages with pretty half-timbered houses, often brightly coloured and with flower-filled gardens.
Route of the three castles and five churches starting from Aumale
This lovely circular route, with no difficulty other than its length, winds through farmland, pastures and woods. It offers the chance to appreciate the architecture not only of several castles and religious monuments, but also of the villages you pass through. The old town centre of Aumale, with its town hall and majestic church, is also well worth a short detour.
The Mont Preneley circular route between Glux-en-Glenne and Rangère
The source of the Yonne (and its archaeological site) and Mont Preneley (the highest point in the Nièvre department) lie at the geographical centre of this circular route. It passes through beautiful forests and some farmland, offering numerous panoramic views of the Morvan. It skirts the elegant Rangère pond, passes through several hamlets and the pretty village of Glux-en-Glenne, and ends at the small yet photogenic waterfalls on the young Yonne.
Cousin Valley in Avallon
The title of the hike refers to the two main attractions: the Cousin valley and the old town of Avallon. The rest of the walk takes you along pleasant forest and country paths, offering different views of these two highlights of local tourism.
Le Crêt Pela from Lamoura
A lovely circular walk passing through the Crêt Pela (the highest point in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and the Jura department). It offers varied scenery, including walks through typical forests and the open landscapes of the Combe du Lac, as well as a stunning view over a succession of mountain ranges stretching as far as the Swiss Alps.
Please note: theroute is closed from 15 December to 30 June between (5) and (8) to ensure the preservation of these forests, which provide a habitat for many protected species in the massif: capercaillie, hazel grouse, pygmy owls, Eurasian lynx, etc.See here.
Circular route in the French Vexin region starting from Valmondois
A lovely walk through three different types of landscape: the Sausseron valley, cultivated plateaus (with beautiful unobstructed views over the rolling hills of the Vexin), and varied woodlands, mainly comprising chestnut, beech and birch groves, with a few oaks, and, in the valley, poplar groves. Two exceptional points of interest: Saint-Symphorien Church and the Tour du Lay stone polishing site. Not to mention the many old mills on the Sausseron, beautiful country houses, and interesting stone crosses along the paths.
As for famous figures, the village honours (with a villa and bust) Honoré Daumier, the great caricaturist who died in Valmondois in 1879. Another, more contemporary artist has donated a series of sculptures on permanent display in Michel Charpentier’s Sculpture Garden.
The Saint-Affrique Dolmen Route
A lovely walk that presents no difficulties other than its length and a significant elevation gain. It takes you past six dolmens, including the two most impressive in the region. Passing through a succession of cultivated fields, forests and heaths, the route also takes you past the beautiful site of the Chapel of Saint-Martin de Boussac (ideal for a picnic) and the Rocher de Caylus, which overlooks the village of Saint-Affrique. In Saint-Affrique itself: the Pont Vieux, the cathedral, the old narrow streets...
The Mont Grand circular loop from Versols
A half-day walk that takes you from the medieval centre of the village of Versols and its castle (dating from the 11th century, with 15th- and 16th-century additions) through pastures, heaths and forests to discover the panoramic views offered by the climb up Mont Grand (677 m). Return to Versols via Notre-Dame du Cayla, a local place of pilgrimage, believed to date back to the 12th century.
Circular route between Abbaye-en-Grandvaux and Château-les-Prés
An easy hike covering varied landscapes of pastures, forests and lakeshores, with two viewpoints offering beautiful views of the Jura plateau.
Le Colomby de Gex from the Col de la Faucille
A superb hike, easy to follow (excellent signposting), with no particular difficulties, well worth doing for the magnificent panoramic views it offers over most of the route.
Le Bec de l'Orient and Pas de la Clé from Gève
A beautiful walk typical of northern Vercors, with a section along the ridge offering numerous views of the Isère plain from the edge of the impressive cliff. Beautiful passages through rugged karsts, beautiful mixed forests, with some fine specimens of trees. Two interesting sites commemorating the actions of the Vercors Maquis.
Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs from the Barnets car park
Overall, this is an easy hike with varied landscapes both uphill and downhill, offering a unique panorama at the summit. A must-see in the region.
For the Visorando moderator: hike inspired by two others:
1- Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs.
2- Pic Saint-Michel.
Very similar but, in my opinion, an improvement on the other two: it's up to you to decide whether it's publishable or not.
From Bouffémont to Taverny via the Montmorency Forest
A very beautiful route from station to station in the Montmorency Forest, based in part on four themed trails: “Le Sentier des Lisières”, “Le Sentier de la Reine Hortense” and “Le Chemin des Philosophes” described on the Saint-Leu-la-Forêt tourist information website, plus “Taverny par les Sentes”. Thanks to a number of information boards, the route allows you to trace the region’s ancient and more recent history, admire many of its most interesting sites, and even engage in a bit of philosophy.
It can easily be shortened to 18 km by avoiding the return trip to the Statue of Notre-Dame de France at the start of the walk.
From station to station: Bagneaux-sur-Loing to Nemours via the Rochers de Beauregard
A very varied walk, with the first third through a beautiful forest, then a landscape that gradually becomes more varied, with rocks strongly reminiscent of those at Fontainebleau. There is also a very beautiful plateau and large sandy hollows.
There is the option of a visit, en route, to the Museum of Prehistory and, towards the end of the route, the old town of Nemours with its castle, the branches of the Loing and its canal.
The paths and trails are mainly on well-drained sandy ground, so they are not muddy, even after rain. Most sections are well signposted,GR® or PR®.
From Mairie des Lilas to Bagnolet via the parks and forts
An original walk from metro station to metro station, covering 19 or 16 km. It offers a rather surprising exploration of Seine-Saint-Denis, which is green for much of the route as it makes the most of the numerous parks and green spaces, skirting the forts of Romainville, Noisy and Rosny. Discover beautiful monuments, remarkable trees and interesting buildings, with superb views of Paris and its suburbs.
The Grand Tour of Fougerolles
An easy walk offering the chance to enjoy the varied landscapes and the traditional and sacred architecture of the region’s countryside: cart-style farmhouses, chalots (chello), chapels, stone crosses and oratories, wash-house fountains, etc.
A highlight: the Pierres de Roûges site.
A visit during or after the walk: the Pays de la Cerise Ecomuseum.
From Crécy-la-Chapelle station to Meaux station via Bouleurs and Boutigny
An original route from south to north, more rural than wooded, passing through interesting villages. The zigzag route makes it easy to shorten for those intimidated by the distance: we recommend cutting from point to point, which allows you to visit all the villages along the route, reducing the distance to less than 20 km. Only the aqueduct section would then be left out.The start and finish are accessible by bus from the Chessy-Marne-la-Vallée RER-TGV station, or by train.
The village, the deer park and the Belle Balade in Châteauvillain
This circuit cleverly combines the three walks around Chateauvillain: the Castle Park (which includes the Deer Park), the Belle Balade and its original sculptures carved into the forest, and a visit to the town of Chateauvillain, notably the Fortifications Trail. A rich and varied walk with no difficulties.
A circular walk around the Tufière de Rolampont and the Gallo-Roman mausoleum at Faverolles
This walk, three-quarters of which is through woodland, allows you to enjoy two exceptional sites: the active tufa formation at Rolampont, and the Gallo-Roman archaeological site of the Faverolles Mausoleum.
Rocks, ponds and woodland on a circular route from Raddon-et-Chapendu
This route revisits, refines and extends northwards the original“Route of Stones and Ponds starting from Raddon-et-Chapendu” proposed by the Luxeuil-les-Bains and Southern Vosges Tourist Office, adding two remarkable “stones” and offering a well-equipped picnic area, conveniently situated halfway along the route.Discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Saône Vosges: traditional dwellings (lava-tiled roofs), chalots, lavière (dry-stone huts), forest, ponds and erratic boulders.
In the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise
A pilgrimage in the footsteps of Van Gogh between Méry-sur-Oise station and Pontoise station, where you can visit the key sites of his stay in Auvers, along a route dotted with beautiful reproductions of his works, some of which are even set in open fields.
Whilst you’re there, a visit to the Château de Lévy museum in Auvers-sur-Oise is a must.
Although relatively straightforward, the walk can be enhanced – for the more curious – with a few additional excursions in the three towns along the route.
La Fayette and the wash houses at the start of Courpalay
An easy, mainly rural walk, which passes by four interesting wash houses, several small typical churches, and the former Priory of Segrès. The highlight of this circular walk is the superb Château de la Grange Bléneau, whose origins date back to the 14th century and which, among other illustrious figures, hosted General de La Fayette from 1802 to 1834. Another mark of La Fayette's passage is the poplar tree known as the "Tree of Liberty", which he is said to have planted in 1831 in front of the church in Bernay.
The slopes of Montcient from Juziers
Circular route from Juziers station, alternating between farmland and forests. Several interesting churches (unfortunately often closed), beautiful wash houses, a fountain with its statue still intact. And of course, the beautiful covered walkway of the Mare aux Fées, which is well worth a detour.
Circular route between Thorigny and Villevaudé via the Dhuys Aqueduct
A walk starting from the banks of the Marne and leading, through fields and woods, to the pretty little village of Carnetin and its remarkable viewpoint. A third of the route follows the Dhuys Aqueduct. You cross the imposing trench dug to accommodate the high-speed rail link twice.
The green spaces of Sucy-en-Brie from Boissy-St-Léger station
A surprisingly green walk, mostly passing through a succession of forests, numerous parks and other green corridors. It also takes you through the history of the centuries preceding our own, thanks to the architectural legacy they left behind, some of whose monuments have fortunately been well preserved, such as the Château de Sucy or the Château de Haute Maison, whilst others reveal only their outbuildings, such as the Château du Piple, or have left nothing but ruins, such as the Château du Grand Val.
Circular route on the hills above Cabris
This walk takes you through the scrubland above Cabris, past a few megaliths and other points of interest, and offers some beautiful views. It concludes with an exploration of the old village of Cabris.A GPS navigator or, at the very least, a compass and navigation skills are highly recommended!