The Carte du Tendre in the Forest of Fontainebleau

Embark on a journey to Cythera, follow paths of seduction and tenderness, and make a date with happiness on this hike in the southern part of the Forest of Fontainebleau. In one area of this vast forest, the paths have been named after romantic figures... On this very wooded route, other references are used to name the paths: different kinds of birds, bandits and other criminals, and even the pope...

Details

222487
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.53 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 59 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 60 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 131 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 88 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Starting point: Carrefour des Grands Feuillards, in the south of the Fontainebleau State Forest.
Access: This crossroads is located where the Route de la Plaine de la Haute Borne is closed to traffic coming from the D301 (Route ronde). The junction with the Route de la Plaine de la Haute Borne is on the D301 between the D152, which connects Ury and Fontainebleau, and the D409, which connects Arbonne-la-Forêt and Fontainebleau.

Signage:
In the Fontainebleau National Forest, at almost every intersection, the paths are marked with signs placed high up. The forest plot numbers painted on trees are also useful landmarks. There are very few signposts along this route, which are only mentioned in the description when necessary.

(S/E) Head north-east on Route Clémentine (which is an exception to the signage rule mentioned above; it is the first road on the right of the tarmac road when coming from the D301). Continue straight ahead, cross Route du Décagone and then cross Route Ronde (D301, caution).

Please note! Between the points (1) and (2), the route crosses a nature reserve and the path, which is reserved for ONF staff, is the only one where hikers are tolerated. It is forbidden (and dangerous) to venture off the path. Signs remind you of this at various points along the way.

(1) Leave the Route Clémentine (which is signposted here) and continue north-east, turning right onto the Route du Rocher de la Combe. Starting off eastwards, the path soon turns east-south-east. Ignore the side paths and stay on the main path with a slope covered with a few boulders on your left. Note the Chemin de la Mare aux Corneilles coming from the right and continue east.

(2) Cross the D152 road (take care) and take the Route des Dryades opposite behind a forest barrier. Climb gently up this sunken path which veers to the left. Cross the Route du Mauvais Passage and continue east in a sparse forest. Cross the Route du Faune and the Route du Satyre in succession and arrive at the Carrefour du Bonheur.

(3) Ignore theGR® signpost and continue straight ahead (east-southeast) along Route de la Tendresse, a poorly marked path dotted with heather that starts to the right of Route des Dryades. Climb steeply and turn slightly to the right. At the top of the hill (plot 156), turn left (north-east) onto the Route des Soupirs, which is a grassy path. At the Carrefour des Soupirs (the name on the map is incorrectly positioned), continue north-east on the Route des Soupirs, which branches off to the right of the Route des Attrais.

(4) At the Carrefour de l'Embrassade, turn right at an acute angle and follow Route de Cythère south. At the next crossroads, turn left onto Route Sans Nom (that's its name...). After about 150m, turn left onto Route des Filles (in March 2016, a tree trunk that was easy to get around was blocking the path).

(5) After about 200 metres downhill and before a forest barrier visible from a distance, turn right onto Route de la Séduction (be careful, this road is poorly marked and the sign is on the left-hand side of the road you have just come from). Cross the D63E2 road (be careful) and then take the Route du Rendez-Vous, a poorly marked path that heads east from the left of the forest barrier (do not go through the barrier).

(6) At the Carrefour du Rendez-Vous, head south on Route de la Colombe (the second road on the right). This road crosses Route de Jemmapes and then winds through a sparse pine forest. At the Carrefour de la Colombe, continue south, still on Route de la Colombe.

(7) At the next crossroads (plot no. 172), take Route du Pape opposite. Cross plots nos. 172 and 171, staying on this road at each junction: heading generally south-east, start by winding uphill on a slight incline, climb through a young beech forest and continue on flat ground until you reach the junction with Route du Chevreuil (enclosed plot opposite and, beyond that, the Croix de Saint-Hérem clearly visible).

(8) Turn right at the first road, Route du Chevreuil (south-west). Cross the D301 road (take care) and continue opposite on Route du Brocard, leaving the old forest house on your right. At the next crossroads (plot no. 529), turn right onto Route de la Brisée (be careful, the sign for this road is below and in the same direction as the one for Route du Brocard, i.e. it is incorrectly positioned). Cross Route de la Quête and follow a fenced-off plot of land undergoing regeneration on your left.

(9) At the Carrefour de la Cave aux Brigands, continue straight ahead (south-west) onto Route des Ventes Cumier, which branches off to the right of the tree bearing the number 556. At the next intersection, take the second road on the right, Route des Délinquants. Head west and cross Route de Villiers (plots nos. 558 and 534). After about 50 metres, note Route du Revoir coming from the right.

(10) At the fork that appears immediately, follow Route des Délinquants to the left. Continue along this pleasant path and cross successively the Routes de l'Épine (wide track), Marthe (plot no. 559), des Primevères (in March 2016, a tree that was easy to get around blocked the path), and des Sorciers (in March 2016, branches across the path).

(11) At the next crossroads (plots nos. 560 and 563), turn right onto Route des Tapisseries (no sign here but a green and white marker). Head north-east on this wide path and cross successively the Routes de l'Alisier, de la Grive and de Recloses à Fontainebleau.

(12) At the next intersection, take a wide, stony white road on the left (due west), the Route des Barnolets (sign further on). Cross the D63E2 road (be careful) and continue straight ahead after the forest gate. Go straight ahead, ignoring the forest tracks on either side, and cross the Route des Ventes à Galène. At the next junction (plots nos. 671 and 682), turn right (north) onto the Route des Petites Mares (red and whiteGR®13signpost, green and white cross).

(13) At the edge of two fenced forest plots, turn left onto Route du Parc aux Bœufs, then immediately right onto Route du Nid aux Corbeaux (clearly signposted). Walk north-northwest through a beautiful forest and cross Route du Coquillard and Route du Chêne aux Chapons in succession. Cross the Route D152 (take care) and continue straight ahead (west-northwest).

(14) At the Carrefour du Nid à Corbeaux, take the second road on the right (north-northwest), the Route de la Princesse Marie (sign further ahead). Cross the Route du Décagone and you will quickly reach the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 128 m - Carrefour des Grands Feuillards
  2. 1 : km 1.02 - alt. 127 m - Route du Rocher de la Combe
  3. 2 : km 2.73 - alt. 90 m - Route D152
  4. 3 : km 3.72 - alt. 95 m - Carrefour du Bonheur
  5. 4 : km 4.37 - alt. 123 m - Carrefour de l'Embrassade
  6. 5 : km 4.84 - alt. 99 m - Route de la Séduction
  7. 6 : km 5.02 - alt. 93 m - Carrefour du Rendez-Vous
  8. 7 : km 5.67 - alt. 93 m - Route du Pape
  9. 8 : km 6.64 - alt. 129 m - Chevreuil Road
  10. 9 : km 7.88 - alt. 126 m - Crossroads at the Cave aux Brigands
  11. 10 : km 8.7 - alt. 121 m - Route des Délinquants - Fourche
  12. 11 : km 9.44 - alt. 128 m - Tapestry Route
  13. 12 : km 10.12 - alt. 127 m - Barnolets Road
  14. 13 : km 11.4 - alt. 128 m - Route du Parc aux Boeufs
  15. 14 : km 12.58 - alt. 131 m - Carrefour du Nid in Corbeaux
  16. S/E : km 13.53 - alt. 128 m - Carrefour des Grands Feuillards

Notes

Hiking boots are required.

No water sources listed. Many pleasant places for a picnic.

In the Carte du Tendre area, several paths are poorly marked, perhaps because they are rarely used. Be careful to follow the route carefully.

A 1:25,000 map is essential (at least the one accompanying this description). A compass may be useful...

Hike completed by the author on 12 March 2016.

Worth a visit

This hike has a distinctly forest feel, with tall trees and varied undergrowth from one place to the next: oak, beech, pine, etc. There are some remarkable trees along the way.

Compared to other areas of the Forest of Fontainebleau, there are few rock formations: these are mainly found in the northern part of the route, between points (1) and (3).

Shortly before (13), you can visit the Mare aux Fourmis (Ant Pond): fairly early on the section of theGR®13, turn right into the forest and the pond is a short distance away; however, be careful as the ground is generally wet.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 31 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Sylvain49
Sylvain49

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very easy hike. No technical difficulties. Few people encountered. Most of the time under trees. Can be done in any season. Recommended for everyone.

Machine-translated

amostini
amostini

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, easy hike with no elevation gain in a quiet part of the forest; we didn't see anyone else. The return trip is a bit monotonous and there are no rocks. Between 9 and 13, there is a lot of mud... avoid in rainy weather

Machine-translated

randonnee viso
randonnee viso

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with charming names for the paths

Machine-translated

crijean
crijean

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy and pleasant hike with no rocks, suitable for all weather conditions

Machine-translated

DUPRILOT
DUPRILOT

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

no particular difficulties, shaded route through pleasant woodland and well signposted

Machine-translated

amstn
amstn

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike in the morning. The second part was a bit flat and a bit "straight"

Machine-translated

Ledesmafrank
Ledesmafrank

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant hike, no particular difficulty.
took 3 hours instead of the 4 hours advertised.

Machine-translated

doudou70
doudou70

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 11, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, flat hike with no particular difficulties, taking me 3 hours and 15 minutes. Very interesting for improving your orienteering skills as it is not signposted...

Machine-translated

zebulon1961
zebulon1961

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I found this forest hike a bit monotonous because it was mostly on straight forest paths. The first part was the most interesting, but mushroom enthusiasts will enjoy it. We came across a group of experts with an impressive harvest. It's a shame we don't know anything about mushrooms.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable day, with the pleasure of walking in nature on a beautiful day.

Machine-translated

Mighty7
Mighty7

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant and easy route

Machine-translated

autostar
autostar

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Route taken during the week without the idiots from the deconf...
Best regards

Machine-translated

Sergio92
Sergio92

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant hike with no difficulties (it is shorter than advertised, 12.8 km instead of 13.4 km, completed twice in less than 3 hours), well shaded route
The route description is well done, even if some signs have disappeared, such as the fallen trees from 2016. It is essential as the route is not signposted.
Encounter with a wild boar, which was friendly.

Machine-translated

dancharlotte
dancharlotte

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

easy hike with beautiful trees

Machine-translated

Jean'eau
Jean'eau

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An interesting route that requires active vigilance to avoid getting lost.
The directions provided are accurate and reliable.
The route is a bit like a treasure hunt, which is quite fun.
Less suitable for walkers who want to lose themselves... in their thoughts!
.

Machine-translated

duodiscu92
duodiscu92
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Excellent half-day walk.
The starting point is very easy to reach by car.
The route is perfectly described. An original route, unmarked and off the beaten track.
Very few people, so peace and quiet guaranteed (perhaps due to COVID-19).
No difficulty as there is virtually no elevation gain.
We completed the tour in 3 hours and 46 minutes, and the Visorando app indicated 15.1 km and our counter 20,874 steps
Congratulations to the author!

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.