Eglise Saint-Loup de Bellot walks

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.

The twentieth stage of the Grand Tour of Île-de-France via the GR®11, the second of three stages through Brie between Coulommiers and Provins, with two nights' accommodation in each place to make the most of the region. The stage is long but not difficult, with very little elevation gain.The stage is designed to follow directly on from the one coming from Coulommiers and precede directly the one going to Provins. But of course, there is nothing to stop you from dividing the route differently.

A walk that will introduce you to the first vineyards of Champagne and various structures of the Dhuis aqueduct. Moderator update as of 24/09/2020: Please note! Issue regarding private property between (11) and (12). See description for an alternative route

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.