To the gateway to the Forêt Verte via Fond du Val

By public transport, get off at the Fond du Val stop. By car, you can park in the car park opposite.

(S/E) Leave the stop uphill, cross Rue du Renard at the pedestrian crossing and follow the bus lane up the stairs. About 80 m further on, cross Rue Guillaume d'Estouteville at the pedestrian crossing and turn left.

(1) Turn right into Rue Chasselièvre.

(2) Turn left into Rue Auguste Ridel, go up the hill and pass the gendarmerie barracks. Turn left into Rue Henri Vermont and join Rue des Voûtes.

(3) Turn right and drive up the street for about 200 m to reach the Porte des Voûtes after number 45.

(4) Turn left into the Fond du Val site. Follow the path along the Allée du Fond de Val on your left.

(5) Leave the Allée du Fond de Val and turn left to make a loop through the Bois du Cotillet. Follow the path around a right-hand bend to reach Mont-Saint-Aignan town hall. Cross part of the car park and join Rue Louis Pasteur.

(6) Turn right and follow the road to the ruins of the former Saint-Jacques Priory.

(7) Take the track on the left and follow it along the Square Jacques Lanfry. Join Avenue du Mont aux Malades and follow it to the left as far as the traffic lights.

(8) Cross the road carefully, turn right into Rue de Verdun and follow it down to Avenue du Général Galliéni.

(9) Cross the roundabout and head down Rue des Fonds Thirel. Go around the next roundabout on the right, using the pedestrian crossing, and turn left up Chemin des Cottes. Turn right at the next roundabout.

(10) Turn right onto Route de Maromme, then left onto Chemin de la Forêt Verte. Continue straight ahead.

(11) Pass under the dual carriageway and continue straight ahead. Go past the first roundabout to the second.

(12) Turn right into Rue Reine de Bois. In front of the "Les Clairières" nursery school, turn left into Rue Osier de Saint-Antoine.

(13) Cross Chemin de la Bretèque and continue straight ahead on Rue du Tourne Midi. Turn left into Rue du Tillau, then 100 m further on, turn left into Sente du Foyard, which leads to the small Portes de la Forêt park.

(14) Make a U-turn and follow the outward route, in the opposite direction, as far as the exit for Square Jacques Lanfry.

(7) Turn left for about 50 metres, then right into the alleyway onto Rue d'Edenbridge.

(15) Cross the road and turn right into Rue des Voûtes.

(4) Continue straight on.

(3) Turn left and continue in the opposite direction to reach the public transport system or the Fond du Val car park (S/E).

The route can be adapted to suit the abilities of each individual. The more experienced will continue past the Porte de la Forêt for a loop in the Forêt Verte (not described in this route), even if it means taking public transport for the return journey. Beginners can shorten the route by turning back earlier.

Bring water, walking gear and a hat. The climbs on this route will prepare you for other routes to discover the Rouen region.

The route takes in the Fond du Val site, the last remaining evidence of rural life in the city. The ruins of the former St Jacques priory are a reminder of local history, and the Square Jacques Lanfry offers a fine view over Rouen. The urban route, between quiet streets and green areas, leads to the entrance to the Forêt Verte.