Monthyon walks

A memorial hike, covering the sites where the Battle of Ourcq was launched on 5 September 1914 and where the poet Charles Péguy was killed in action. The route mostly follows cultivated plains, offering the chance to spot hares and deer.

Designed and developed by the municipality of Chauconin-Neufmontiers, this route pays tribute to the Moroccan soldiers who fought on the very spot where they were engaged in the early days of the Battle of Ourcq, from 5 September 1914, on the western front of the Battle of the Marne. A short memorial hike, mostly in woodland with extensive views over the cultivated plain dotted with a few witness mounds.

Circular allowing you to cross the Montgé-en-Goële forest, starting from the village of Cuisy and running alongside or crossing various streams (Ru du Rossignol, Ru de l'Arzillère and Ru de la Maquerelle). Hike mainly on dirt tracks. Passage near the Signal de Montgé at an altitude of 201 metres. The forest contains many remarkable species (chestnut, oak, ash, horse chestnut, hornbeam, tulip tree and plane trees).

A hike on both banks of the River Thérouanne, in places where fierce fighting took place during the Battle of Ourcq (September 1914). A rich heritage along the way: mills, farmhouses, a castle, a chapel, a church, etc.

This route takes in places of remembrance that were the scene of fierce fighting during the Battle of Ourcq from 5 to 10 September 1914, at the start of the Battle of the Marne. The hike is mostly on cultivated plains, with a few sections in woodland.

The Butte de Montgé stretches north of the N3 between Dammartin-en-Goële and Meaux. This hike has two very contrasting aspects: a section through the forest on the crest of the hill, followed by a return along the plain at the foot of its southern slope.

A hike from station to station, marked by water and dotted with numerous bridges! After a stroll around the Grande Île in the heart of Meaux, the path between the ponds of the Parc Naturel du Pâtis is enchanting. The route then alternates between long stretches along the Canal de l'Ourcq and passages through the undergrowth, along the banks of the Marne or the Ourcq river.

A varied hike from station to station, following the underground Dhuys aqueduct. This route allows you to discover the Marne first, before taking forest paths and crossing pretty villages.

The Butte de Montgé stretches north of the N3 between Dammartin-en-Goële and Meaux. This hike has two very contrasting aspects: a section through the forest on the crest of the hill followed by a return via the plain at the foot of its southern slope. A shorter alternative route is also available, see "La Butte de Montgé-short route".

Discover the largest urban nature park in the Île-de-France region. The trail winds along a bend in the Marne River, through ponds and woods that are home to many birds, and passes along the towpath of the Ourcq Canal.

A superb ride on horseback (at a walk: 45 mins, at a trot: 20 mins, at all three gaits: 20 mins) but also possible on foot (1 hour) or by bike (20 mins) through the fields. Most of the grassy paths are very well maintained; there are no roads to cross or use. A ride across the plateau; winds may be present in places; the route is fairly open, so take care in hot weather. Best enjoyed in the warmer months, as the section running alongside the marshes is impassable in winter; alternatively, take the northern section via the Étrépilly road in winter.

A lovely 2-hour ride at a walk and trot, including a section on a country road (at a brisk pace), suitable for experienced riders. This route can also be done on foot (3 hours), by bike (50 mins), or on horseback (at a walk: 1 hour 30 mins, at all three gaits: 50 mins). A bit of tarmac, the rest of the paths are very pleasant dirt and grass tracks; this route can also be done by bike. Enjoyable in both directions.

A superb ride on horseback (at a walk: 4 hours; at a trot: 3 hours; at three gaits: 1 hour 30 minutes) but also possible on foot (5 hours) or by bike (3 hours) through the fields, past roe deer and along the banks of the Thérouanne. Most of the paths are grassy or dirt tracks and very well maintained; there are a few roads to cross, but with good visibility, or to follow – though these are all fairly quiet roads, generally with grassy verges for safety. The route takes you across the plateaus; it can be windy in places, and the route is fairly open, so take care in hot weather. In the depths of winter, it’s a very pleasant walk, with all paths fully accessible.

This route can be done on foot (1½ hours), by bike (30 mins) or on horseback (at three speeds: 30 mins, at a walk: 1 hour). Surfaces include tarmac, grass, earth and stones. The route is sunny with unobstructed views.

Starting from Étrépilly, a peaceful ride on horseback through the Charon and then the Rouget plots. A pleasant route that can be done on foot (1h30) or by bike (30 mins), on horseback at all three gaits (30 mins) or at a walk (1h15). A very straightforward route to follow; it’s particularly pleasant in this direction for riding up the grassy slopes, but better in the opposite direction by bike. You’re very likely to spot roe deer and birds of prey along the way.

On foot (1 hr 40 mins), by bike (30 mins), or on horseback (at a walk: 1 hr, at a trot: 30 mins). Runs alongside the railway line for a short distance.Grass, dirt and tarmac paths, with a short stretch through the town centre but on quiet roads. Some elevation gain.

Circular through three villages marked by the history of the First World War.

A very pretty circular route starting from Étrepilly via Varreddes and Congis-sur-Thérouanne, which can be enjoyed in various ways, such as:- on foot, on horseback or by bike.

A short, easy walk between the N3 and the Marne.