Short walk in the forest at Rilly-la-Montagne

Thank you, Guillaume.

I find exploring new routes even more interesting than following a familiar path. Adventure often lies at the end of the road.

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Hello,

I’ve updated the route to avoid the section that has become impassable. I’d also suggest taking a detour via the ponds, which are well worth a look following their restoration by the municipality of Rilly, the PNRMR and Grand Reims in late 2025.
A huge thank you to Virgule, who helped me make the changes with his on-site reconnaissance and sound advice.
Enjoy the walk!

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Message sent to the route creator.

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Hello,

I did the route again today. The path running alongside the pond is private and blocked off by signs and a gate at the Croix Nicaise. I’ve reported this on the app. It’s also overgrown and rather unpleasant. The pond is almost dry.

The gate at the Croix Nicaise is more or less impassable for children or people of average fitness. Furthermore, the signs strictly prohibit entry.

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It’s unfortunately a rather monotonous route; you mainly walk along straight roads and there are no scenic viewpoints.

In the Montagne de Reims, don’t expect any ‘scenic viewpoints’. On the other hand, there are some beautiful trees, and it’s peaceful. If you’re looking for a more Instagram-worthy spot, try the Faux de Verzy at Mont Sinaï. But you won’t be alone.

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Date of your route : Jul 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The start of the walk was a bit tricky if you’re not used to it, but it’s still doable. It was the same by the pond – we hesitated when the path ended. The rest of the route is very clear.
As for the section between point 6, the barbed-wire fence was lying on the ground so it was easy to step over (and the ‘private property’ signs were only on the path around the pond), but the tall grass makes this part less pleasant. As I hadn’t read the comments before the walk, I only spotted the alternative path when I reached the cross.

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Hello,
I went there recently. I did indeed notice what you mentioned. However, I did not see the start of the pretty little path. I am not sure if it goes all the way to the edge of the woods. I did see where it ended, though.

To be checked.

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Date of your route : Sep 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The last stage of the route to the St Nicaise cross is marked by a grassy path that runs alongside a small pond. This path is not very pleasant (tall grass and clumps of earth) and is closed off by a barrier at the cross, whereas there is a pretty little path through the woods that runs parallel to it. It seems preferable to stay on this path rather than climbing the embankment towards the pond. It is therefore better to continue along the small path through the woods, turning left at the fork.

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Whether the forest is public or private, it seems that you have the right to hike on the path if it is accessible.

https://www.clcv.org/environnement-sante...

I conclude that unless otherwise indicated or blocked by a barrier, you have the right to walk on forest paths without having to consult the owners first.

Here, after point 6, it appears that the owner does not allow hikers to pass through his forest... That's a shame... I'll see how I can get to this path another way :-)

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Date of your route : Apr 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

First dry day of the school holidays, lovely walk in the muddy but pleasant forest with areas of lily of the valley that should be in bloom in a fortnight. We didn't follow the route from signpost 5, we turned left (lily of the valley area) instead of heading east, so we extended the walk.

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It's public before the 6th and private after that.

There is a pond. I suppose if people arrive in groups to enjoy the pond, the owner might not like it.

I've also been to this area many times and never met anyone. But I go there on weekdays.

I'm seeing more and more paths that were freely accessible two years ago, which are now blocked with barbed wire and signs. This is a very new phenomenon in the Montagne de Reims, where it's still very quiet compared to more populated areas. I think we need to check before suggesting a route on Visorando to make sure we're actually allowed to go there.

I'll take a look at the alternative route. If it joins the pretty path that you can see to the left of the private road, it's a good idea. I think it's in the national forest.

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I wouldn't say it's too crowded, but I used this route once or twice a week and only encountered two other hikers in three months.
However, just before crossing the small stream before reaching point 6, you can turn left and there, three metres to the left of the problematic private path, you can walk without any issues (which also leads to the cross). The trail participants this weekend are working to widen the small path.

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What a shame...

I had the same problem on one of my routes, which I had to remove from Visorando.

As a result, I now only suggest public paths, marked where possible. As long as there were only a few hikers, I think the forest owners tolerated it. Once the route was on the internet, it must have attracted too many people.

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Date of your route : May 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Warning! Between points 6 and 7, the path has been closed by the owner this week. At point 6, four trees have been brutally cut in half to prevent traffic (how barbaric...), and at point 7, six barbed wires block the passage.

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Date of your route : Mar 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : Yes

Unfortunately, the route is rather monotonous, as you mainly walk along straight roads and there are no viewpoints. It is quite busy, and be careful of the humidity at the start of the route! Otherwise, there is convenient parking in a pretty village.

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