Between the Ourcq and the Clignon

Straddling three departments, this hike runs partly along the Ourcq Canal and its tributary, the Clignon Canal. You will also walk through fields and end with an original route through the Marais de Beauval and along the Rivière Ourcq, surrounded by dense vegetation that is home to many birds. A stroll through the village of Crouy-sur-Ourcq and the hamlet of Moisy, with their rich heritage, complete this very diverse hike.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.70 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 47 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 47 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 105 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 56 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Starting point and access: Crouy-sur-Ourcq station.
- Transilien - Line P, on the section between Meaux and La Ferté-Milon.
Go to the end of the platform and take the Avenue de la Gare exit, at the back of the train when arriving on Track 1 (Paris-Meaux-La Ferté-Milon direction), at the front of the train when arriving on Track 2 (opposite direction).

Yellow markings
Unless we have made a mistake, this signage is missing for the first few hundred metres.

(S/E) At the end of the platform, go through a gate and turn left onto the road (cross the tracks at the level crossing if you have arrived on Track 1). Pass under the Donjon du Houssoy on your left. Just before the stop sign, turn left to cross the street called "Chemin de Notre-Dame du Chêne" and take the path opposite with a large wooden building on your right. Stay on this path, keeping the wall on your right. Admire the Château de Champivert and look for the first yellow marker on an electricity pole. After a right-hand bend, you will come out onto Avenue de Montigny.

(1) Ignore the markers that tell you to turn left and turn right into the avenue. Ignore the street on the right that leads to the train station (sign) and, at the next intersection, turn left onto Rue Dufresne towards the post office (sign). This street turns right very quickly and becomes Rue de Geoffroy. Pass the post office and then a small square on the right. At the end of the street, note the fountain on the Place du Marché on the right, but turn left onto Rue Trevez Brigot, towards the church.

(2) Pass the double red gates of the church. Then turn right and note the Croix de Raroi on the left of the street. Opposite the school, turn right and then immediately left onto the small square. After the "No Entry" sign, turn left. Just after number 11 on the street, turn left onto Rue Raphaël. At the first fork, turn right, staying on Rue Raphaël, which begins to climb. At the next intersection, turn left, continuing uphill. At another fork, turn right and drive alongside a football stadium.

(3) At the junction at the corner of the football stadium, turn left (yellow arrow "Moisy" on an electricity pole). Follow two agricultural sheds on your right and a field on your left. At a fork, at the corner of the field, turn right and head north-east. Cross a small road and continue opposite into the woods. A little further on, the path turns left into the undergrowth. When you leave the woods, continue north, ignoring a grassy lane on the right. When you start going downhill, leave the main path on your left and continue straight ahead on a path that descends between two hedges. When you reach a small road, follow it to the right. Ignore a street on your right and then a street on your left, pass the sign indicating the entrance to Montigny l'Allier and reach the bridge over the Clignon: the river is on your right and the canalised river is on your left.

No signposts

(4) Do not cross the bridge but turn left (information sign) to take the towpath with the canal on your right. Take the next bridge to cross the Clignon. Then take the grassy, shaded path opposite, which leads to the main street of the hamlet of Moisy (Rue de la Commanderie).

Red and yellow + yellow markings

(5) Turn left into the street. Pass the Pierre Plaideuse (ruined tower) on your left, then a well and a calvary on your right. You will reach the former Templar Commandery.

(6) Continue west, where the street has given way to a path. After a left turn, join the Clignon canal. Do not cross the bridge but turn right onto the towpath, with the canal on your left. You will come to the canal bridge over the Ourcq river.

(7) Cross the river over the canal bridge and continue along the towpath, which becomes narrower. Pass under the railway bridge and reach the Canal de l'Ourcq.

Red and white markings

(8) Turn left and head south-west along the canal on your right. Pass the village of Neufchelles on the opposite bank. At the first bridge, ignore a red and white arrow indicating a left turn onto theGR®11and continue straight ahead on the towpath, where you will find a marker of the same colour (GR® access route not shown on the IGN map).

No signposts
See an alternative route for wet weather or if the path leading into the marsh is damaged.

(9) At the second bridge, leave theGR® turning right, leave the towpath and turn left onto a path lined with poplar trees that crosses the Marais de Beauval (red and white cross). Ignore a path on the left. The path then turns left towards the south-east.

(10) Look for a path on the right and follow it (depending on the time of year, the path opposite may be overgrown or cut off). About 100 metres further on, at a T-junction, turn left at a right angle (the right-hand path may also be overgrown or not). Walk south-east under a tunnel of vegetation until you reach the banks of the Ourcq river.

(11) Turn right to follow the river (on your left) in the direction of the current. Stay as close to the river as possible. The vegetation is quite dense and you will pass small poplar groves here and there. After a sharp bend to the left, the path becomes clearer. Stay on the path parallel to the river and ignore two grassy paths on the right. You will come out onto a road; follow it to the left. Cross the bridge over the Ourcq and you will immediately see Crouy-sur-Ourcq station on your left (S/E).

To return to La Ferté Milon, you can access the platform immediately. To return to Meaux and Paris-Est, first cross the railway tracks at the level crossing.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 58 m - Gare de Crouy-sur-Ourcq
  2. 1 : km 0.76 - alt. 62 m - Avenue de Montigny
  3. 2 : km 1.28 - alt. 66 m - Église Saint-Cyr et Sainte-Julitte (Crouy-sur-Ourcq)
  4. 3 : km 1.88 - alt. 102 m - Football stadium
  5. 4 : km 4.4 - alt. 60 m - Moisy bridge over the Clignon
  6. 5 : km 4.83 - alt. 62 m - Moisy
  7. 6 : km 5.45 - alt. 62 m - Commanderie des Templiers de Moisy
  8. 7 : km 6.41 - alt. 58 m - Pont-canal du Clignon
  9. 8 : km 6.86 - alt. 64 m - Clignon river station - Canal de l'Ourcq
  10. 9 : km 8.98 - alt. 62 m - Beauval bridge - Canal de l'Ourcq
  11. 10 : km 9.42 - alt. 58 m - Crossroads in dense vegetation
  12. 11 : km 9.8 - alt. 56 m - Right bank of the - Ourcq (l')
  13. S/E : km 11.7 - alt. 58 m - Gare de Crouy-sur-Ourcq

Notes

Train timetables: consult the Transilien website.

For motorists: parking is available at the station car park (access from the A4, exit "Montreuil-aux-Lions").

On some sections, the paths are poorly maintained and very overgrown:
- The second part of the Clignon towpath, between (7) and (8).
- The crossing of the Marais de Beauval, between (9) and (11).
- The path along the Ourcq, especially in its first half, after (11).
Wear trousers rather than shorts and bring appropriate footwear. It is best to undertake this hike in dry weather. In the morning dew or after rain, don't worry about getting your feet and calves wet...

A 1:25,000 map is essential, and a compass is useful.

No water sources listed. Shops in Crouy-sur-Ourcq.

Variations:

- If you want to avoid tarmac at all costs, you can avoid entering the hamlet of Moisy. Do not cross the bridge between (4) and (5) and continue along the towpath. Rejoin the route by crossing the bridge before the canal widens (shown near elevation 62 on the IGN map). However, please note that the street is very quiet and it would be a shame to miss the views of the Pierre Plaideuse and the Ancienne Commanderie.

- In wet weather, or if you are simply not attracted by the dense vegetation, you can skip the last part of the route. At the Beauval bridge (9), continue along the towpath, keeping the Ourcq Canal on your right. When the path joins the D20 road, follow it to the left until you reach the station.

Hike completed by the author on 19 June 2015.

Worth a visit

In Crouy-sur-Ourcq:
- Donjon du Houssoy (14th century) (S).
- Champivert Castle (17th century), front (1).
- Fountain on the Place du Marché, just before (2).
- Saint-Cyr and Sainte-Juliette Church (16th century) (2).
- Raroi Cross (12th century), just after (2).
It is to appreciate this rich heritage that the route through Crouy-sur-Ourcq is rather winding.

In Moisy:
Pierre Plaideuse, ruined tower on private property, after (5).
Former Commandery of the Knights Templar (13th-16th centuries), also on private property (6).

Along the way:
- Clignon canal bridge (1841) (7).
- Pleasant walk along the canals
- Dense, characteristic vegetation as you cross the Marais de Beauval and along the Ourcq, between (9) and (S).

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 37 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
ozogiminy
ozogiminy
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Yes, trousers are compulsory. Between points 9 and the finish, in the marsh, it must be impassable for three quarters of the year,even at the end of summer. There are many parish-specific to Brittany, muddy passages, otherwise very grassy, making it difficult to progress. In short, it's a very difficult passage. The option of returning along the canal seems more reasonable to me, or following the GR by turning at the first bridge in Neufchelles
Superb commandery in Moisy.

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nisu
nisu

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
The hike is done. The route was very interesting and varied
The description was excellent. Well done and thank you for sharing.
There was only one negative point, but the author of the hike is not responsible for this. You have to look elsewhere... The negative point is the condition of the path from point 9 onwards... It was a little, well, very muddy... But that didn't discourage us Francs Comtois!
Nisu

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nisu
nisu

Hello Patrick,
That's reassuring. I'll go and explore this little place; it'll make a nice change from my mountains in the Vosges
Thank you
Best regards

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bibinou
bibinou

Hello Nisu
You're not taking much of a risk: it includes Gr® and PR®, so it still exists. For the final section, in the woods, there are no signs (be very careful to follow the trail).
But if you're worried, continue along the towpath to the bridge at the entrance to Crouy-sur-Ourcq
Best regards
Patrick

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bibinou
bibinou

Good evening, Nisu
As we travelled under 'summer skies' and mostly through forests, it will all depend on the weather between now and then: if it's not kind to us... hello mud!
But I don't want to discourage you😉
Best regards
Patrick, alias Bibinou

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nisu
nisu

Good evening, Patrick,
Thanks for your reply. Muddy roads don't stop the Franche-Comtois... we're used to it... I wanted to know if the roads still exist... I don't want to get lost... I don't know the area at all
Best regards

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bibinou
bibinou

Good evening, Nisu
As we travelled under 'summer skies' and mostly through forests, it will all depend on the weather between now and then: if it's not kind to us... hello mud!
But I don't want to discourage you😉
Best regards
Patrick, alias Bibinou

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nisu
nisu

Hello,
I'm coming to your area in April and would really like to do the hike you suggest. I wanted to make sure that the paths were all passable
If you could let me know, that would be great
Nisu, hiker from Franche-Comté

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COLIBRI93
COLIBRI93

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I preferred point 4, which stays on the path along the Clignon Canal, which is very pleasant. You can see the ruined tower and the view of the commandery is exceptional.
A short detour after crossing the bridge and turning right onto this little road with little traffic allows you to see the other side of the commandery.
I also preferred turning left at the Neufchelles bridge and following the GR signs, which also cross part of the marshes and then a wood to reach point 1. From there, you can return to the station by going from 1 to A.
I noticed that the path from point 11 to the station has a lot of ruts.
There is little shade on the first part of the route. But the crossing of Crouy is interesting.
Thank you for these very clear and precise explanations.

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mdre
mdre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

taking advantage of a beautiful autumn Sunday, we went on a lovely walk, which we extended a little by following the rivers. The scenery was superb and varied, peaceful, and we even saw some rare animals (geese, nutria), which made a change from the dogs that bark at us when we walk our own four-legged friend!
Well done, Netra!

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FISCHES
FISCHES

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, interesting for its varied landscapes and the villages you pass through. Muddy at the end of the route in the marshes, as advertised, but normal for this time of year. An easier alternative is to follow the Ourcq Canal. We recommend it, thank you.

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leducala94
leducala94

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Between points 3 and 4, there is little of interest (coastline and crossing fields). Just before point 4, there is a busy road with little space for pedestrians (danger). From point 11 onwards, some muddy sections are almost impassable due to ruts left by vehicles. If in doubt, I recommend continuing to follow the Ourcq Canal from point 9 (do not turn left) and turning left when you reach the road. Otherwise, it's a beautiful walk, especially when following the canals, and the commandery is worth a look.

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bricamac
bricamac
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful and varied walk. Please note that the section through the marsh can be very muddy when it rains.

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Harriett
Harriett

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike with diverse landscapes. Points of interest that are worth seeing. The commandery is worth a detour. The road is not busy and you quickly find the canal. The canal bridge is worth seeing.
The marshland section is probably best visited when there are more birds around, as we mainly heard forest birds, but it is still very picturesque.
Well done! We'll be back!

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Vertaco
Vertaco

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike which, although easy, takes you through a variety of landscapes in a very peaceful setting at this time of year. I can confirm that the end of the trail can be quite muddy, so don't hesitate to finish by following the canal to Crouy instead of going through the marsh if it has rained during the week.

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