Following the Orge

The Orge river flows through the Essonne department, first from west to east and then diagonally from south-west to north-east. This route follows the valley as closely as possible, where it is accessible by train. The route alternates between paths along the river, including a promenade in the downstream section, passages through the undergrowth, residential areas and urban routes.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Following the Orge from Dourdan to Saint-Chéron

   14.78 km 124 m 169 m

   A hike from station to station in the upper Orge valley, following the river. Discover the rich heritage of Dourdan town centre (fortified castle, 12th-13th century church, wash houses, etc.) as well as beautiful churches along the way.

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2. 2

   De Saint-Chéron à Dourdan par les coteaux de la rive gauche

   13.16 km 197 m 158 m

   Une randonnée de gare à gare sur les coteaux de la rive gauche de l'Orge. Le parcours s'achève à Dourdan qui offre un riche patrimoine, avec notamment son château-fort et son église gothique.

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3. 3
   

   Circular between Saint-Chéron and Sermaise

   11.66 km 180 m 178 m

   A circular starting from a railway station, during which you climb and descend through woods and walk along the cultivated plateaus on both sides of the Orge valley, from where you can enjoy extensive views.

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4. 4
   

   Following the Orge from Saint-Chéron to Arpajon

   13.22 km 39 m 42 m

   A walk from station to station in the Orge Valley, exploring two large ponds home to numerous birds. A picturesque route in the first half, which then sees the proportion of urban sections increase. Heritage sites along the way: a well-restored old mill, a few churches, a small menhir, a wash house...

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5. 5
   

   From Arpajon to Saint-Chéron via the Bassin de Trêvois and the Château de Baville

   13.60 km 83 m 75 m

   A hike from station to station, along the Orge and its tributary, the Rémarde, as well as the Bassin de Trêvois. A small menhir and a Louis XIII-style castle add a nice touch of heritage.

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6. 6
   

   Between the Orge and the Renarde

   14.06 km 167 m 168 m

   A heritage walk in a bucolic setting, in the heart of the Hurepoix. Climb the Butte de Saint-Yon and the Bois des Roches, follow the Orge and Renarde rivers, and discover the charming church of Saint-Yon and the superb church of Saint-Sulpice.

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7. 7
   

   Following the Orge from Arpajon to Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois.

   13.63 km 21 m 31 m

   A hike from station to station, mostly following the Orge river or its secondary branch, the Grande Boële, and along a few large reservoirs. There is a rich heritage to discover, in Arpajon at the start of the hike and, as a highlight, at the Basilica of Longpont.

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8. 8
   

   The Tower of Montlhéry and the Basilica of Longpont

   10.51 km 109 m 118 m

   A hike that alternates between pleasant paths along the water's edge and urban passages. The Tower of Montlhéry, which offers a beautiful panorama, and the Basilica of Longpont, the destinations of this hike, are beautiful reminders of the Middle Ages in Île-de-France.

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9. 9
   

   Short circular loop between Breuillet and Saint-Sulpice-de-Favières

   10.83 km 162 m 158 m

   A hike starting from a railway station (with car park for motorists), the destination of which is the superb church of Saint-Sulpice-de-Favières. Along the way, you will walk through fields, meadows and woods, and the route is enhanced by pretty rivers and an old water mill.

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10. E
    

    Following the Orge from Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois to Athis-Mons

    13.71 km 56 m 82 m

    A hike from station to station that constitutes the last stage of this route along the Orge River, ending at its confluence with the Seine. Although the area is highly urbanised, the walkway along the river, which takes us back and forth across it, often offers a bucolic setting.

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