cryptes st paul walks

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.

Eighteenth stage of the Grand Tour of Île-de-France via the GR®11, between La Ferté-sous-Jouarre and Coulommiers stations. This stage, running roughly north-south, begins the crossing of Brie, culminating in the ascent of the Butte de Doue, which dominates the plateau. It also connects the two rivers named Morin, the Petit to the north and the Grand to the south.

A long hike from station to station that takes us from the Petit Morin Valley to the Grand Morin Valley via a hill overlooking the Briard Plateau, offering extensive panoramic views. A route with varied landscapes, including woods, cultivated fields and pastures on the hillsides. Charming streams and beautiful heritage buildings complete the picture.

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).

Between Isle-les-Meldeuses and Meaux, along the Marne and the Canal de l'Ourcq, discover a corner of Île-de-France that is rich in nature, heritage and symbols. Shady paths, soothing rivers, nature reserve.

Seventeenth stage of the Grand Tour of Île-de-France via the GR®11, between the Isles-Armentières-Congis and La Ferté-sous-Jouarre stations in Seine-et-Marne. This stage consists of a climb up the Marne valley, following its southern plateau (foothills of Brie). In addition, for more than half of the route, the GR® follows the route of the Dhuys Aqueduct, ensuring a well-levelled and therefore relatively easy path.

A hike from station to station that takes you from the Pays de l'Ourcq to the Pays Fertois. After following the Ourcq and then the Marne rivers, you climb up past the churches of Tancrou and Jaignes with its polisher. You then follow the Ru de Rutel, climbing between fields, woods and orchards, before descending through the Bois départemental de la Barre and its discovery trail.

A hike starting from Lizy-sur-Ourcq station, green and refreshing in summer as it follows shaded paths along the Ourcq river, then near the Marne, with a passage through the woods, before ending at Changis-sur-Marne station after a walk through the fields.

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.