Station to station in the Forest of Fontainebleau: ponds and boulders

Long but very nice hike station to station in the Forest of Fontainebleau. It goes through several viewpoints, ponds, little known corners, stunning scenery.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 23.85 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 265 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 278 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 139 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 74 m

Description of the walk

Start: Stop at Fontainebleau-Forêt train stop (See useful information about transport below)

(S/E) Coming out from the train, head backwards 200 m in order to go under the railway. Take the underpass (to your left) and continue straight ahead (South-West on Route d’Aumale) for 1.5 Km. Reach the intersection with the 'Route du Rocher Cassepot'.

(1) Take trail 14/15 on your right (North-West, Yellow-Blue markings). The path 14/15 zigzags a lot towards the West for about 2 Km.

(2) In a flat area (signs), the walk N°15 turns right but stick to the trail N°14 on the left. The trail makes a large and progressive turn Eastward. At first, the ascent is gentle then becomes increasingly steep, with a rocky finish to reach the top.

(3) At the top, take Denecourt trail N°3 (Blue markings) left to the Grand Panorama du Rocher Cassepot.

(4) From the panorama, take a 90-degrees turn to the right (South), onto a wide path marked in yellow. When it has curved most of the way to the left, cut right between rocks for about ten metres to the Denecourt N°3 trail (Blue waymark), which you will resume to the right as if to close the loop. Soon afterwards, reach the junction with Denecourt trail N°3-4.

(5) Take it to the left (West). (N.B. If you come across the junction with trail N°14 again, this is because you cut over too soon; in this case, turn back to trail N°3 until the junction with trail N°3-4 which you take to the right (West)). Otherwise, walk to D606 road.

(6) Cross over, then the plains of Cabaret Masson. Join the signpost at the start of Denecourt trail N°4 (Blue). Keep right at the fork, waymark “Carrefour de Belle-Croix, 1h"; the two ways meet at the Grotte aux Cristaux/Carrefour de Belle-Croix.

Trail N°4 goes uphill then follows the contours, zigzagging, in a generally Westerly bearing. It then curves to the South, toward the 'Grotte aux Cristaux' cave.

(7) After visiting the Grotte aux Cristaux cave, take Denecourt trail N°4-5 heading South. You pass Fontaine Maria. Trail N°4-5 continues in a straight line due South for about 1.5 Km (the noisy D142 gradually distances itself). Then the trail heads to the left, to the beautiful 'Mare aux Ligueurs' pond.

(8) Go round it and past to Fontaine Sanguinède. Continue on the Blue-marked trail. Arrive at a paved path.

(9) Take it to the right (West) toward D607 road. Cross it (busy road, caution!). Continue slightly right on a poorly marked path (West) to the D301.

(10). Cross it. A large pine tree with a blue waymark indicates Denecourt trail N°6. Follow it to the right (North-West). The path ascends to the left hillside. At an intersection on a slope, that is fairly poorly indicated, turn right on the Blue trail N°6-6. (NB If you get to a shelter under a handy rock, you missed the crossroads and must turn back.)

(11) Head back down (North) to the valley bottom, then rise steeply on the other side. Almost at the top of the climb, a chasm has a sign that says "Danger", then, immediately after is the 'Mare aux Sangliers'. It's beautiful; the pond on the top of the plateau, its rocks and its valley views.

(12) Continue on trail N°6-6 which turns right (East-North-East) following the edge of the plateau. Although trail N°6-6 continues flat, turn in a hairpin bend to the left (West) into an unmarked path down to the bottom of a thalweg. Back in the plains, go past trail N°6 .

(13) Walk right and continue straight (South-West, Route du Chaos d’Apremont). After a climb that becomes increasingly steep, you reach trail N°6.

(14) Take it to the right (West), magnificent panoramas of the Gorges of Apremont, and join a junction.

(15) Take path N° 6-6 to the right (North), then N°6 to the left (North and then West). Mare aux Biches. Still on N°6, pass the Brigands’ Cave and then down the stairs to the Carrefour du Bas-Bréau (junction).

(16) Turn right on Route des Artistes (towards the right; various markings) until you reach Carrefour de l'Épine and D607.

(17) Go under the road by the underpass. Admire the rocks (and climbers in season) of Cuvier Châtillon. Follow the Northern loop of the Denecourt trail N°5 (Blue), which zigzags between rocks then moves up and down generally to the East. The path descends to a sandy plain.

(18) At a junction find an isolated rock marked with a "B". In front of this rock, take a 90° left turn on a sandy path uphill. "(Warning: it is easy to make a mistake as the two ways of the blue path N°5 are close to each other; do not go past the right side of the rock.)"

Then, there is a steep climb. Just before the plateau, do not miss a detour (blue waymark) on the left towards a tunnel under the rock (market K). Carry on after the tunnel (unmarked path) until reaching a curious inscription: "Reconnaissance – Colinet". Then return to the main blue path N°5. You follow the flat edge of the plateau. Pass by Mare aux Canards, then reach an open area near a rocky cliff edge, curved with Blue markings in the wrong direction (towards the right when the path goes to the left).

(19) Take an unmarked path that goes left at a 90° angle (North). (If you reach rocks marked Q,R,S, you missed the turn). This path leads you back to the magnificent Mare à Dagneau. Go around the pond on the right. Arrive at a crossroads with several paths.

(20). In front of you, go straight ahead (North-East), Route du Ragot. Come on, one last effort: turn right (South-East), not on the main path but a little to the right on Route de la Mare in Piat. 300 m further on, find the beautiful Piat pond, with its water lilies and frogs. Head around it and return to the crossroads.

By the main path (Route du Cuvier Châtillon, towards the left, i.e. North-West). At the junction, turn right onto Route du Ragot (North-North-East). After about a kilometre the road makes a 90° turn to the left.

(21) Turn right (North-East) on route de la Table du Grand Maître. Cross the D142. Here it is, the famous table: a real table, with carved legs and seats, all in stone. Follow the Blue trail 12 straight ahead (North-East). After a few hundred metres, where trail 12 bends to the left we continue straight (Route du Limier, North- North-East). Once again we find the Blue markings of trail No. 12.

(22) Follow it to the right (North-East) to reach D606.

(23) Cross it then continue straight on (North-East). One more stretch and the Bois-le-Roi railway station is 2 Km straight ahead !(S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 89 m - Halte de Fontainebleau-Forêt
  2. 1 : km 1.59 - alt. 94 m - Crossroads with Route du Rocher Cassepot
  3. 2 : km 3.56 - alt. 90 m - Separation of Denecourt paths 14 and 15
  4. 3 : km 3.94 - alt. 136 m - Sentier Denecourt 3
  5. 4 : km 4.53 - alt. 135 m - Rocher Cassepot (viewpoint)
  6. 5 : km 5.14 - alt. 129 m - Sentier Denecourt 4-3
  7. 6 : km 6.04 - alt. 86 m - D606 - Cabaret Masson
  8. 7 : km 7.92 - alt. 136 m - Grotte aux Cristaux
  9. 8 : km 9.6 - alt. 129 m - Liquor pool
  10. 9 : km 9.96 - alt. 135 m - Carrefour des liqueurs
  11. 10 : km 10.46 - alt. 135 m - D301
  12. 11 : km 11.04 - alt. 125 m - Downhill
  13. 12 : km 11.25 - alt. 134 m - Wild boar pond
  14. 13 : km 12.17 - alt. 92 m - Cross
  15. 14 : km 12.56 - alt. 130 m - Junction with Denecourt path 6
  16. 15 : km 13.09 - alt. 133 m - Crossroads of Chemins Denecourt 6 and 6-6 - Caverne des Brigands
  17. 16 : km 15.1 - alt. 82 m - Carrefour du Bas-Bréau, Auberge de la Caverne
  18. 17 : km 16.13 - alt. 86 m - Carrefour de l'Epine
  19. 18 : km 17.8 - alt. 100 m - Rock "B". To the left, uphill sandy path
  20. 19 : km 18.59 - alt. 130 m - Road to Mare Dagneau
  21. 20 : km 18.99 - alt. 135 m - Carrefour
  22. 21 : km 20.47 - alt. 133 m - Carrefour
  23. 22 : km 21.49 - alt. 88 m - Junction with sentier Denecourt 12
  24. 23 : km 21.95 - alt. 84 m - D606
  25. E : km 23.85 - alt. 78 m - Gare de Bois-le-Roi

Practical information

Start: Stop at Fontainebleau-Forêt train stop

Transport: Fontainebleau-Forêt train stop : train from Paris-Gare-de-Lyon, Melun and Bloi-le-Roi on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays only.

Refreshments: No water or food supplies available on the route, except possibly at the Auberge du Bas-Breau.

Note:

  • Route can not be followed in reverse because there is no train from the Fontainebleau-Forêt station.
  • Not accessible by mountain bike.

In the nearby area

A succession of beautiful, breathtaking views:

  • Panorama of Rocher Cassepot.
  • Plaine du Cabaret Masson.
  • Landscape and rocks of Rocher Saint-Germain
  • Grotte aux Cristaux cave.
  • Maria fountain.
  • Mare aux Ligueurs. Fontaine Sanguinède
  • on alternative route: Mont Chauvet fountain.
  • Mare aux Sangliers (panoramic view).
  • Panorama of the rocky formations and landscapes of the Platières d’Apremont
  • Mare aux Biches,
  • Caverne des Brigands,
  • The rocks of Cuvier Châtillon,
  • Mare aux Canards
  • Mare à Dagneau
  • Mare à Piat
  • Table of the Grand Master.

Possible alternatives:

  • From the start at waypoint (2), follow trail No. 15 waymarked in Blue-Yellow. Time saver: 10 minutes. Easier but a bit noisy; beautiful landscapes of mixed forest with deciduous and pine trees and ferns; several remarkable trees. After passing under the railway line, make a 90 degree turn to the right, then follow the blue-yellow markings to the left (West). After going past two paved roads, count the number of forest paths that cut across the marked path. At the eighth, turn left at a 90° angle (blue-yellow faded markings). 300 m further, after cutting Route du Rocher Cassepot, the blue-yellow-marked path turns left between the rocks and heads back. Finding back the Route du Rocher Cassepot (waypoint (2)) take the main path on the path marked as No. 14.

(6) In the Cabaret Masson plains, take left branch of the Denecourt trail N°4, signposted as “Carrefour de Belle-Croix, 0h50”. Time saver: 10 minutes.

(9) After Fontaine Sanguinède at point, make a round trip to the Mont Chauvet fountain. Plan for 30 extra minutes. Take the paved road to the left and follow it. After about 10 minutes, past a major intersection, it makes two large zigzags followed by a straight path. Almost at the end of this alley, the Fontaine du Mont Chauvet is below to the left of the road. Little interest.

(12) After the Mare au Sangliers, instead of descending into the unmarked thalweg, stay on the Blue-marked route 6-6 (beautiful viewpoint). Time saver: 15 minutes. This route joins the Blue-marked trail N°6, and reaches the main route to the junction with N°6-6 shortly before the Mare aux Biches.

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 38 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.2 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
shapiro
shapiro

Having tested it myself, I can confirm that as of October 2024, the "Fontainebleau-Forêt" stop is indeed served, but only by trains departing from Gare de Lyon at 8.16am and 9.16am.

The official information can be found on the Ligne R blog, maintained by the SNCF. The online timetable sites (SNCF or Île-de-France) are unaware of the existence of this stop.

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ChBvt
ChBvt

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Très belle rant

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Stéphane COMAR
Stéphane COMAR

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The route starts at the original Forêt de Fontainebleau station and finishes at the Bois le Roi station. It is varied and pleasant. The first 2 thirds are a little difficult: small climbs and lots of rocks, some of which are quite challenging. Fortunately, the end of the route is a little flatter. Do it with full knowledge of the facts.

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cylcuz
cylcuz

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

I did this walk on my own during the week at the end of July. Little frequented, a feeling of tranquillity.
Superb passages in the forest, under tall trees, pines and deciduous trees, beds of ferns, in an environment of small hills, heights protected from erosion by the large boulders characteristic of Fontainebleau or chaotic stonework. The route, which takes us as close as possible to the large boulders, is a series of ascents and descents. Although not difficult, access should be reserved for those with good mobility. Medium difficulty, but a tiring route. Having lengthened my route at the start, coming from Avon station and adding a few km too many by initially setting off in the wrong direction (...), I had to cut back from point 12 to point 18, because of tiredness.
Some criticisms: the most interesting parts are the first 10 km. The viewpoints are a bit disappointing and don't offer much visibility.
I would, however, point out the wetlands on the higher ground, which I think are a surprising feature of this site. Although almost dried out, probably due to this year's dry spring, the vegetation typical of wetlands is clearly visible.
It's also worth noting that there are plenty of insects to be seen in this vast area, which has been protected from herbicide and insecticide spraying.

A lovely walk to discover the Fontainebleau forest.
Many thanks to the author for this walk, with its well-described stages and well-written directions and topographical descriptions.

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Thibaultb
Thibaultb

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 30, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

I did this route with my son over 2 days, with a bivouac in the Fontainebleau racecourse area.
Doing this route over 1 day seems too hard to me. The route is very nice, beautiful but sometimes sporty.
Please note that Fontainebleau Forêt station is no longer in service. So you'll have to start at Fontainebleau ville station, which means an extra 4km.
Another point to note is that there are no water points on the route. This may seem obvious, but it's better said than done.
Plenty of opportunities to climb the rocks. I was surprised by the steepness of the gradients.
Also worth noting are the departmental roads that have to be cut through. Not easy, but a must if you want to complete the route.
In short, a fine walk that deserves its red colour and that I recommend over 2 days.

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shapiro
shapiro

Thank you for your feedback. According to the Ligne R timetable, valid until December 2020, there are four trains that serve the Fontainebleau-Forêt stop (departures from Paris at 8.16am, 9.16am, 10.16am and 11.16am) on weekends and public holidays. Your disappointment shows that you can't rely on them. Was there a sign or announcement indicating a problem?

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pluchery
pluchery

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A really varied walk in the Fontainebleau forest. Even if you go from station to station, it's wild. I only met 5 groups of walkers over the course of the day (a Saturday in fine weather at the end of August).
I loved the diversity of the forest: deciduous trees, pines, more secret areas covered in ferns (Apremont gorge).
Please note that the "forest stop" on the train departing from Gare de Lyon is being cancelled. On Saturday mornings, only the 8.16am train stops in the middle of the forest. I took the 9.16am train and started the walk from Fontainebleau station. It's less bucolic and it adds 2km.

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Antoine4475
Antoine4475

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 14, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely walk that shows off the diversity of landscapes in part of the Fontainebleau forest. The walk is long but doable within the 7 hours 20 minutes announced. The description is reliable, even if you sometimes need time to get your bearings. Thank you for this beautiful route.

PS: Be careful crossing the roads, though, as they are quite busy and this is ultimately the most dangerous part of the walk.

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annece22
annece22

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 31, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Nice, well-documented hike (thanks for the directions!) but much longer than we expected. At Chassepot (the first landmark) we were twice as long as estimated. The times are not realistic and we had to cut the Apremont loop to make sure we got back. Not to be done on a short winter's day! Beautiful and varied landscapes, a pleasure for the eyes, you discover different aspects of this magnificent forest, deciduous trees, conifers, undergrowth... There's a roadside soundtrack almost the whole way, more or less perceptible. The GR1 takes you quietly back to Bois le Roi station. The Grotte des Cristaux is of little interest. The GPS helped us more than once, despite the well-marked paths and up-to-date IGN map.

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Sarita J
Sarita J

Really glad to hear you enjoyed it

heatherlea
heatherlea

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 21, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I wanted to do an autumn equinox walk and was not disappointed! It was beautiful and the directions are pretty clear and concise. I have a great time and am so grateful to this website for providing the map and directions! Don't think I'd have found the walk on my own!

Gregzz
Gregzz

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 19, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

An excellent hike, the scenery is superb, and we follow several parts of a GR so it's easy to find your bearings with the blue tracks. Some of the sections between the rocks are a bit tight or require you to crouch. The terrain is not too complicated to manage. I followed the trail using the GPX track on Google Maps, which is very precise.

On the other hand: it's more than 25 kilometres, my app indicated 28.2 kilometres to Bois le Roi station.

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ElyseC
ElyseC

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 24, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very nice walk.
Quite long, well longer than indicated in the description as the descriptions need to be refined a little.
The times given are clearly unrealistic, yet we were walking at a very good pace.
Despite everything, we were delighted and had a good overview of what this beautiful forest has to offer.

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microlynx
microlynx
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 17, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very good walk, not easy and fairly long, but with some great views. The route is not always obvious, so GPS and/or a good map are highly recommended.

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bouganim
bouganim

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 25, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I did this walk on 26/11 in grey weather.
I had set off (alone) to do this walk but in fact I deviated quite a bit for several reasons:
1) the 9:19 train didn't stop in the middle of the forest but at Fontainebleau AVON --> Several Km more
(but very pleasant on the discovery paths)
2) A few misdirections (there are a lot of footpaths in Fontainebleau, it's nice but you end up getting lost )
3) The times indicated are a little unrealistic (point 4 would be reached in 25 minutes, even though it's more than 4 km from the start of a hike that's not very easy
not very easy ....)
Despite everything, it was great and I can't wait to go back.

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