Butte de Doue walks

Our Île-de-France itinerary continues along a verdant route, offering magnificent views along the Marne valley, set against a backdrop of historical and religious heritage.Saint-Colomban, on his journey into exile, favoured the more welcoming valleys; he followed the Marne then headed towards Metz via Reims; he continued his evangelisation through the Meuse valley, from the Rhine to Lake Constance, before setting off again for Italy, crossing the Alpine passes to stop at Bobbio.

Within the Ile-de-France region, the Petit Morin valley is a preserved area with a strong rural and agricultural character. This is not a multi-stage hike per se, but rather a collection of seven routes lasting between 3 and 4 hours, covering the small roads of this charming valley and communal paths where motorised vehicles such as quads and 4x4s are prohibited.

Nineteenth stage of the Grand Tour of Île-de-France via the GR®11, entirely in Brie, and first stage of a series of three necessary to connect Coulommiers station to Provins station, with two nights on site. As accommodation options are limited in the middle of Brie, it is suggested for this stage to head to La Ferté-Gaucher aerodrome, which is slightly off the GR® route, near which there is a hotel-restaurant where it is possible to spend the night. Although this adds several kilometres to the stage, it offers a good compromise between the length of this stage and the following ones, the longest possible route on the GR® and the proximity to Provins. But this is not the only option, of course: see the Practical Information section for other suggestions.

From the medieval town of Coulommiers to Provins, via a loop around the Marne in the Paris suburbs, a series of walks starting from a station and crossing the Brie plain, its villages and its rich heritage.

A hike from station to station that follows the Grand Morin valley. A route that alternates between short urban passages, paths through the woods, meadows, gardens and cultivated fields. The hike ends on a very pleasant note along the river.

After walking through the Parc des Capucins and a few paths in Coulommiers, climb up to the former Commandery of the Knights Templar. The route continues mainly between cultivated fields with a few beautiful farmhouses along the way and the beautiful church of Aulnoy. After descending, follow the Grand Morin valley before a final short climb.

A hike from station to station that alternates between paths through fields and wooded areas. The Sainte-Aubierge Chapel is a peaceful place to stop for a break.

Along the meandering lower valley of the Petit Morin with its steep slopes, amidst meadows, wetlands, woods and farmland, you pass through several villages and hamlets boasting a fascinating history and heritage. Two detours up onto the heights of the Briard plateau offer a glimpse of the richness of its vast agricultural expanses.

A hike from station to station (easily accessible by train), shaded between balconies overlooking the Marne, meadows and fields along the river, alternating between woods and vineyards. The route follows a relatively wild and quiet circular loop of the Marne. Ideal in dry and sunny weather. (!) Be aware of hunting days. Check with the town hall for hunting days (every other Sunday).

End of this Paris region section of the “Via Colombani”, a detour from the Way of Saint Columbanus which crosses no fewer than five European countries. The identification of the Way of Saint-Colomban provided an opportunity to highlight his major role in the monastic foundations of early Christian Europe. The European Columbanian associations then set about mapping this monk’s route across Europe, marking the major sites along the way with a bronze plaque.