Picardy walks

From Port du Hourdel, there is a coastal route that returns along the ponds and passes by the Maison des Oiseaux. Important note from one of our friends: please note that parking at Le Hourdel is subject to a charge, even in low season. However, the car park located between (3) and (4) was free when we went on our walk. It was therefore possible to start the walk from this new starting point.

A very bucolic walk in the heights of the French Vexin, passing close to the highest point in the Ile-de-France region. A beautiful forest to cross until you reach the house that was once inhabited by Sarah Bernhardt. Return through the fields across a beautiful landscape at the edge of Picardy.

Discover the rich heritage of the Automne Valley and its surroundings, Gallo-Roman ruins and the ruined Romanesque chapel of Champlieu, the churches of Béthencourt and Orrouy, and more. In addition, the route from hill to hill offers beautiful views of the countryside and the valleys you cross.

Walk in the heart of Le Hâble d'Ault, where it is advisable to bring a pair of binoculars to observe the birds.

From Château de la Borne Blanche to Abbaye d'Hérivaux, between ponds and forest.

A beautiful hike through the forests of Chantilly and Ermenonville on sandy paths lined with tall pine trees, giving it a Mediterranean charm.

The main destination of this hike is an imposing Neolithic dolmen. Passing through woods and fields, it also offers the opportunity to discover two charming villages in the Réveillon Valley.

This short walk of just under 6 km in and around Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is full of charm with its fishermen's streets lined with decorated and flower-filled houses, its sailors' calvary with views of the entire bay and the town, its quays along the Somme and its Saint-Valery Chapel, known as the Sailors' Chapel, not to mention its history with the Porte Jeanne d'Arc and numerous views of the Bay of Somme

This hike is mainly in the forest, favouring trails in hilly terrain. The circuit passes through large pine forests with undergrowth of heather and ferns providing a beautiful variety of colours. The ground is often very sandy, making it easy to hike in winter.

Chantilly is the largest racehorse training centre in Europe. The forest is criss-crossed by numerous galloping tracks that are usable all year round thanks to the quality of the sand. During this walk, you can appreciate the importance of this activity in the forest itself and in the plain bordering its northern edge. Beautiful views of the château, the Grandes Écuries and the Canal Saint-Jean add to the charm of the circuit.

From Jean-Jacques Rousseau Park to the druidic stones in the forest...

A bucolic walk on the edge of the French Vexin, between woods and fields, from hill to hill. Panoramic views of the Normandy countryside.

Discover two contrasting natural environments: the dry limestone grasslands covering the hill of Mont César and the marshes below. A varied route through the forest, poplar groves and fields.

On one of the sites of the ill-fated Chemin des Dames offensive of April 1917, this route is mainly through forest but with clear passages offering superb views that give an understanding of how perilous the operation was. The route through the site of the former village of Craonne, which was razed to the ground under a barrage of artillery fire, is particularly moving. The remains of Vauclair Abbey provide a beautiful heritage-filled end to the walk.

This hike, which is not particularly difficult, allows you to discover the cliffs of Ault and Onival beach to the north from the panoramic view of the Bois de Cise. Moderator's warning: Report of restricted access (January 2021) following a landslide on the cliff.

A 10-kilometre loop to be done on foot starting from Parc Chantemesse in Chambly. There are no major difficulties and the section along the river is very pleasant.

A beautiful walk in the Valois region between the forests of Retz, Compiègne and Senlis.

A lovely walk to discover the beautiful villas of Mers-les-Bains. Pass through the marshes before discovering Eu and its castle. A beautiful climb to the Chapelle Saint-Laurent to discover the Bois de Cise. Please note that the return route along the cliffs following thePR® trail, which offers beautiful views of the coast, is closed by municipal decree following recent cliff collapses. By keeping well to the left of the path, it is still possible to enjoy the views.

Discover a curious sight: a slippery rock where, according to legend, women used to slide down bare-bottomed to find out if they would have a baby that year! Whatever the truth of this legend, you can enjoy the beautiful forest atmosphere, heather-covered plateaus and a small rocky chaos with the famous rock.

If you want to go for a walk with the option of a dip in the sea halfway along the route, this is just what you need!

A hike in a forest in Picardy where the pines loom large. There are also beautiful sites covered in heather and sandstone blocks. The soil, often sandy, allows for hiking in winter without difficulty.

Leaving Aubencheul-aux-Bois, leave the hustle and bustle of the main roads behind you and immerse yourself in peaceful countryside. The sunken lanes, lined with hedgerows and fresh meadows, invite you to slow down and rediscover the rhythm of the countryside. As you pass through Gouy, you will come across thatched farmhouses and secret orchards where birdsong reigns supreme. The paths undulate beneath your feet and offer unexpected views of the surrounding hills. Further on, Le Câtelet comes into view around a bend: its flower-filled lanes and small local heritage sites exude a discreet charm, with weathered stones and colourful doors. The final stop in Vendhuile rewards walkers with a setting of golden fields and shady groves. Between generous nature and rural heritage, this circuit is a real journey back in time.

A fairly easy hike from Aumont-en-Halatte with a slight elevation gain, in the Halatte National Forest, skirting the village of Fleurines. Two beautiful viewpoints along the route, best enjoyed in summer when the weather is warm.

A lovely, easy walk through nature and heritage, best enjoyed in good weather. Peace, tranquillity and fresh air are its main attractions , culminating in a visit to Valsery Abbey. Guided tours are available at weekends in summer. The passage in front of Montgobert Castle also invites you to visit the Wood Museum. At the end of the route, enjoy rural scenery and a magnificent view from the highest point of the plain over the Mont de Valsery farm. The route is very shaded between the various points (2) and (3) by large trees. You pass near the Ferme de Saint-Agnan (3), one of the first properties of the Abbey of Valsery, 2 km away, then near the Château de Mongobert (4) and at the end of the route near the Ferme du Mont de Valsery (6). The path is wide and pleasant throughout.

This 20 km circuit between Abbeville and Saint-Riquier takes you to the Monflières Chapel, then the Scardon Valley, seen from above, before returning via the Traverse du Ponthieu.

A walk in the Bois du Roi from Macquelines, a neighbourhood of Betz, passing through Lévignen with its 16th-century church, the Grivette, a small 15 km river that flows into the Canal de l'Ourcq, several small ponds, and the Sainte Fontaine, a religious site.

A beautiful hike in the Retz National Forest, starting from Coyolles and its Church of the Nativity, its manor house with guest rooms; passing through Boursonne, its castle and church, and the former14th-century Abbey of Bourgfontaine.The GPX track may be useful in the forest.

A circular walk starting from Passy-sur-Marne, taking in vineyards, châteaux, villages, the banks of the Marne and wash houses, not forgetting the military cemetery and the Dormans Memorial 1914-1918. A busy day steeped in history.

A beautiful hike with wooded areas, plains, quarries where stones were extracted for the construction of Notre-Dame de Paris, many ponds, two wash houses, two chapels, the church of Saint-Vaast, the Rivière le Théroin (a tributary of the Oise), and the Flandre stream.

A circular walk starting from the Château de la Reine Blanche and the Étangs de Comelles in the Chantilly Forest, passing through Mongresin (Orry-la-Ville) and the barn of the former Comelle Abbey . The Château de la Reine Blanche and the Étangs de Comelles are among the most remarkable sites in the Chantilly Forest.

In the heart of Vermandois, a path stretches for several kilometres, linking Brancourt-le-Grand to Fresnoy-le-Grand. Between cobbled streets and grassy paths, this long walk invites you to discover the striking contrast between the hustle and bustle of village life and the tranquillity of the surrounding fields. All along the route, the red brick architecture contrasts with the open horizons of meadows and groves. At every turn, let yourself be surprised by an old gate, a blossoming orchard or the discreet song of a stream, for an authentic immersion in the soul of Vermandois.

Triple loop in the Bois du Roi through three villages near Crépy-en-Valois. This hike can be completed in its entirety, covering nearly 19 km, or divided into circuits of only 15 or 10 km.

In the heart of the Vervinois region, a bucolic trail begins in Vaux-Andigny, inviting you to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the generous countryside. Under the cover of ancient hedgerows, you walk along meadows bathed in light before reaching Andigny-les-Fermes, where the discreet charm of half-timbered farms reveals a preserved rural heritage. You then reach Mennevret, nestled in a green valley where the murmur of the stream and the ballet of dragonflies set the pace for your walk. Gentle hills appear on the horizon before opening up to the final stage in Régnicourt, a peaceful village with shady lanes. Bring a water bottle and a good pair of shoes: this accessible route is best enjoyed at the pace of the seasons, stopping to contemplate the scenery.

Starting from Saint-Martin-Rivière, this route takes you into the heart of the rolling countryside of northern Aisne, between peaceful bocage and charming villages. Following small roads and hedged paths, you pass through Ribeauville, then Wassigny, an ancient fortified town where history is evident in every stone. The walk continues towards La Vallée-Mulâtre, nestled in lush greenery, before reaching Molain, where open meadows and farm tracks offer a breath of fresh air. This accessible and rejuvenating circuit combines rural heritage and gentle landscapes for an authentic immersion in the heart of the Thiérache region.

Put on your best walking boots and leave Prémont behind to immerse yourself in a green setting where hedgerows and meadows flourish at every turn. The paths, guardians of a thousand rural secrets, will guide you to Becquigny, a little haven where birdsong punctuates the tranquillity of the place. Then head for Bohain-en-Vermandois, a town of brick buildings and contrasts, where the history of textiles is revealed around every corner of its lively streets. Between authentic heritage and bucolic landscapes, this loop promises a refreshing break full of character.

Immerse yourself in a route where every step blends history, nature and the discreet charm of the North: starting from Serain, let yourself be drawn to the medieval remains of Beaurevoir before reaching the peaceful paths of Ponchaux. The route then continues to Vaux Le Prêtre, offering a succession of shady woodland, bucolic pastures and unexpected panoramic views of the Serre valley. Carefully signposted, this return route takes you back to Serain via a series of small roads and country lanes. Between a stop near the Beaurevoir fountain and the rustic charm of the Ponchaux farms, your senses will be constantly awakened: birdsong, the scent of the heath and the silhouettes of bell towers on the horizon punctuate this escapade, which is accessible to all.