In the footsteps of the French Revolution

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Here are four hikes that take in iconic locations from the French Revolution. One of them takes place in Versailles, where it all began in May 1789. Another takes place in Paris, which was the scene of many events, including the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789. The other two connect Paris to Versailles, attempting to reproduce the women's march of 5 October 1789.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 34.02 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 311 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 217 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 167 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 26 m

Photos

Salle du Jeu de Paume
Salle du Jeu de Paume
Salle du Jeu de Paume
Salle du Jeu de Paume

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Aux débuts de la Révolution française dans Versailles

    At the beginning of the French Revolution in Versailles

    ↔3.33 km ↗10 m ↘10 m
    This urban route, in the heart of Versailles, takes you to places that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. We start at the Hôtel des Menus Plaisirs, where the Estates General met on 5 May 1789. We pass by Saint Louis Cathedral, where a mass was held before the opening. Finally, we visit the Salle du Jeu de Paume, where on 20 June 1789, 578 deputies took an oath not to separate until a new constitution had been promulgated.
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  2. 2
    Sur les traces de la Révolution française au cœur de Paris

    On the French Revolution routes in the heart of Paris

    ↔5.33 km ↗22 m ↘21 m
    An urban circular walk in search of the French Revolution routes in two Parisian sites: the Bastille, whose capture had a very strong symbolic impact, and the Odéon suburb, where several key figures of the period lived, worked and gathered, including Marat and Danton. It's also an opportunity to discover the signs of other insurrectionary episodes (July 1830, May 1968) and a superb heritage ranging from the Gallo-Roman to the Middle Ages period.
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  3. 3
    Marche des femmes du 5 octobre 1789 : de l'Hôtel de Ville de Paris à Sèvres

    Women's march of 5 October 1789: from Paris City Hall to Sèvres

    ↔14.29 km ↗27 m ↘25 m
    The first section of this women's march of 5 October 1789 follows fairly closely what we know today about the route taken at the time. Starting from the centre of Paris, we follow the course of the Seine and then cross the districts of Auteuil and Billancourt. We cross the Ile Seguin, where the Vieux Pont de Sèvres bridge used to be, and end up in Sèvres, where the 1789 procession made a stop. All along the way, there is a rich heritage to discover.
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  4. E
    Marche des femmes du 5 octobre 1789 : de Sèvres au Château de Versailles

    Women's march of 5 October 1789: from Sèvres to the Palace of Versailles

    ↔11.07 km ↗252 m ↘161 m
    The second section of the women's march of 5 October 1789 takes more liberties with the supposed route of the procession at the time. Starting in Sèvres and ending in Versailles, the route is distinctly urban, but between the two, it is predominantly forest. The Palace of Versailles is the highlight of this hike (with its park if you wish to take an extra detour).
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Notes

Good trainers or low-cut hiking boots are sufficient for each stage, especially those that take place exclusively in urban areas.

There are numerous bars, restaurants and shops in Paris and, to a lesser extent, in Versailles.

Worth a visit

See the information sheets for the different stages.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

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