Courpalay walks

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.

A beautiful walk in the Brie region, through fields and valleys, with stunning views. Not recommended in summer when it is very hot as there are very few trees to provide shade from the sun.

This walk offers views of the Yerres, a priory, two wash houses and cows, alternating between woods and fields.

Comprising three villages and three hamlets, this commune is located about 50 kilometres east of Paris. The village of Lumigny is situated at the foot of a sand hill, similar in nature to the Butte de Doue.

Mostly dating from the late Middle Ages, fortified farms are a typical architectural feature of the Brie region. This hike connects several of them, including one of the most famous, the Fief des Epoisses. You will follow paths between fields and small roads with little traffic.

Around Chaumes-en-Brie through the villages of Arcy and Argentières, with the Yerres, the Bréon and the castles of Vivier and Arcy.

Around Chaumes-en-Brie through the villages of Maurevert, Forest, Arcy and Argentières, with the Yerres, Bréon and Vivier and Arcy castles. Note: in the description below, the (*) refers to the section: During the hike or nearby.

A slightly hilly hike through fields and woods, not forgetting the Yerres and its pond.

A varied walk through fields, woods and the old town, where many eras coexist.

A walking tour that starts at the Verneuil-l'Étang train station. It passes through three villages: Ozouer-le-Voulgis, Chaumes-en-Brie and Verneuil-l'Étang. Woods, fields, narrow streets, meadows and gardens, following the course of the Yerres river.

This hike takes you through the fields and woods of the Brie region, following the old railway line that once connected the Gare de la Bastille in Paris to Marles-en-Brie, north of this route.

A bucolic hike through woods, fields, meadows and gardens, playing leapfrog with the Yerres and Ru de Bréon rivers. Two village crossings and, in Chaumes-en-Brie, a tribute to the musicians of the Couperin family and a farm with surprising architecture in the heart of the Brie region.

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.

A long walk from station to station, across the Brie plain with its sweeping horizons. Along the way, two superb monuments: the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Champeaux and the fortified castle at Blandy-les-Tours.

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.

Across the Brie plain, discover a beautiful 13th-century church with fortification elements inherited from its Templar past.

A moderate-difficulty walk, with little elevation gain, west of Bombon, passing through Saint-Méry, then across fields and two small woods. It then follows and crosses the Ru d’Ancœur, the Ru de la Prée and the Ru des Moines, passing by the Flagy Mill and the Voies Mill Bombon was the birthplace of the 1918 Victory. Indeed, General Foch moved his command post to Bombon in 1918. His marshal’s baton ‘was presented to him in the castle’s main courtyard in the presence of all the chiefs of staff, Marshal Haig, Marshal Pershing, General Pétain and the highest political authorities, the President of the Republic, Raymond Poincaré, Clemenceau […], Painlevé, former Minister of War and former President of the Council. General Weygand […] was by his side.”

A picturesque walk starting from Bombon, a small, typical Briard village. The route goes round two châteaux, follows the Ru d’Ancœur (a peaceful little stream) and crosses woods and cultivated fields. This walk is easy, but the section along the river can be muddy in winter. Please also be aware of hunting seasons.

Three small villages are marked on the map at each point of a right-angled triangle. This is an easy walk with no particular difficulties. There are no climbs, so no effort is required, and the flat countryside is full of charming little spots to discover.

Hike in the Forest of Malvoisine, starting from Mauperthuis, passing by the Chapel of Sainte-Aubierge, with its spring and wash house.

A country walk in the Aubetin valley, via Mauperthuis, Esse, the hamlet of Paradis and Saints, with mills and the river. Lots of quiet, pleasant little roads for when the paths are too muddy.Note: The annotations (*) refer to the chapter "During the hike or nearby".

A hike mainly through forest, which also includes passages between fields and offers some interesting heritage features. This hike is reserved for those who are not put off by trudging through dense vegetation.

One of the few forest trails that can be followed in the heart of Brie. A route that is mainly in cool shade, with a brief stretch through the fields around the Ferme d'Heurtebise.

A hike rich in heritage in the south of Brie. It starts at the old fortified castle of Blandy-les-Tours, which is in excellent condition, and ends with a visit to one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the Île-de-France region. Two other churches, a chapel, another more recent castle and an old mill complete the picture. A route on a cultivated plateau, through woods and alongside the Ru d'Ancoeur.

A country walk in the Grand Morin valley, with the mills of Coude and Prémol. Note: actual elevation gain: approximately double the calculation, i.e. 260 m. Avoid in wet weather. Caution! The route has been modified at the Moulin de Prémol due to the removal of the footbridge over the railway line.

Circular route around the village of Amillis, located in the countryside 7 kilometres from Coulommiers. A route that passes through woods and along fields and meadows. Very quiet, rarely used paths with monuments to see.

This circular allows you to enjoy the beautiful forests, mainly oak, of the Crécy Forest. Three-quarters of the route is in the woods, while the rest takes you through two charming villages, each with a remarkable castle and an elegant church. A few other points of interest are indicated, including the memorial to the poet Étienne Jodelle (1532-1573), a contemporary of the much better-known Pierre Ronsard. The forest was very lively when I visited (at the end of December): despite a large wild boar hunt in progress, I saw three deer (in three different places) and a fox. The GPX track can be very useful in the forest, given the various changes in direction.

A hike from station to station that takes us from the Morin rivers area to the Brie plateau. After a long stretch through the Crécy Forest, the route alternates between fields and woods, with beautiful heritage sites in Les Égrefins and in the centre of Tournan.

A hike from station to station that starts at the edge of the forest. You then cross a cultivated plateau before descending into the Grand Morin valley. The route ends between the river and canals.

A walk from station to station that starts on the edge of the forest. You then follow a maze of paths through the village of Tigeaux. The route continues across a cultivated plateau and then along the Grand Morin. The town of Crécy-la-Chapelle brings this walk to a close on a superb heritage note, highlighted by the Gothic-style collegiate church.