Penchard walks

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.

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.

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.

Jouarre Abbey, of course, embodies the memory of the iconic figure of Saint Columban, a monk who came from Ireland at the end of the 6th century, descended from the heroic lineage of the great saints who helped to ‘shape’ Europe. His tenacity and foresight impressed the highest dignitaries of the time, including Chigneric, who asked him to baptise his children, and Authaire, a notable from Ussy, whose children went on to build the monasteries of Reuil-en-Brie, Rebais and Jouarre.

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.

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 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.

A hike from station to station through forests and along waterways. The first part takes us through the Montceaux National Forest. We then follow the Marne River before climbing up to a cultivated plateau. The last part runs along the Ourcq Canal and takes us to the confluence of the Marne and Ourcq rivers.

A varied and easy hike that will take you along the Marne to Poincy, through the former estates of Chilperic, a high-ranking Merovingian dignitary. It continues through Germigny l'Évêque and its château, which was much loved by Bossuet. It ends with a route to Trilport through the woods of Montceaux-les-Meaux, the hunting grounds of Gabrielle d'Estrée.

A varied hike between the Montceaux forest and the Dhuys aqueduct. Beautiful views of the Meaux countryside. Beautiful trees along the way (centuries-old oaks in the Montceaux forest and a beautiful black alder on the way up to Montceaux-les-Meaux). Best avoided in wet weather, as the Dhuys aqueduct can become quite muddy...

Hiking along a bend of the river Marne. The circuit follows along streams in its first part, then crosses part of the Montceaux forest. There are beautiful panoramic vistas at every break in the tree cover.

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 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.

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

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 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.

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.

The route follows paths only, suitable for all walking styles and ideal for Nordic walking. Over 80 per cent of the route is through woodland. The route can be adapted as desired.

At the confluence of the Marne, Ourcq and Thérouanne rivers, the ponds and reed beds of the Grand Voyeux regional estate are home to a huge number of birds. The walk begins on the observation path of this protected natural site. It then hops along the River Thérouanne, along the Canal de L'Ourcq and the Canal de la Thérouanne, and ends along the Marne. Water and birds are the main attractions on this route!

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 short, easy walk between the N3 and the Marne.

A walk along the water, first along a canal and then along the Marne. The only elevation gain is at Côte Saint-Jacques, which the canal crosses via a tunnel. The outdoor sculptures near the Dhuys footbridge add a touch of heritage.

Hike through the valleys and hillsides of the Marne and Grand Morin rivers, including sections along the Grand Morin side canal, the Dhuis aqueduct, the Marne river and the Meaux canal in Chalifert. Beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and discovery of some heritage sites in the villages you pass through.

A hike mostly along rivers with a connection by the slopes of the Grand Morin and Marne valleys offering beautiful views of the region. Crossing through some of the villages, including Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames and Quincy-Voisins, lets you explore some interesting elements of their architectural heritage.

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 a very pretty region with lovely views over the meandering Marne river, home to a number of points of interest: the Louis Braille Museum and Coupvray Castle, the arch and locks of the Chalifert Canal, and the Dhuis sculpture garden.