Varreddes walks

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.