Villers-Cotterêts walks

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Straddling three departments, this hike runs partly along the Ourcq Canal and its tributary, the Clignon Canal. You will also walk through fields and end with an original route through the Marais de Beauval and along the Rivière Ourcq, surrounded by dense vegetation that is home to many birds. A stroll through the village of Crouy-sur-Ourcq and the hamlet of Moisy, with their rich heritage, complete this very diverse hike.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

This loop, starting from Villers-Saint-Frambourg, takes place in the Forêt d'Halatte. The paved forest roads follow the dirt tracks. We climb Mont Pagnotte via the south face. After a long descent, we go around the mountain to climb it again, but this time via the north face. The ascent is less difficult as it follows a beautiful path. After a long descent, we return to our starting point.

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.

Designed and developed by the municipality of Chauconin-Neufmontiers, this route pays tribute to the Moroccan soldiers who fought on the very spot where they were engaged in the early days of the Battle of Ourcq, from 5 September 1914, on the western front of the Battle of the Marne. A short memorial hike, mostly in woodland with extensive views over the cultivated plain dotted with a few witness mounds.

Rich in heritage, Jouarre is a commune overlooking the Petit Morin shortly before it joins the Marne. This hike, which alternates between cultivated fields and woods, runs alongside the Etang de Péreuse and then offers a route with little elevation gain on the embankment of the underground Dhuis aqueduct. There are beautiful views of the Marne and Petit Morin valleys.

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.

Discover the largest urban nature park in the Île-de-France region. The trail winds along a bend in the Marne River, through ponds and woods that are home to many birds, and passes along the towpath of the Ourcq Canal.

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 walk along the water, first along a canal and then along the Marne. The only elevation gain is at Côte Saint-Jacques, which the canal crosses via a tunnel. The outdoor sculptures near the Dhuys footbridge add a touch of heritage.

A hike mostly along rivers with a connection by the slopes of the Grand Morin and Marne valleys offering beautiful views of the region. Crossing through some of the villages, including Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames and Quincy-Voisins, lets you explore some interesting elements of their architectural heritage.

A hike through the vast open areas of the Briarde countryside with large rolling hills and views as far as the eye can see, followed by shaded areas in the valley and on the Grand Morin hillsides. Pieces of the architectural heritage along the way, churches, mills and wash-houses, make the trip that more worthwhile. The hike can be shortened to a 15 km walk, or split into two, one 8 km and the other 12 km (see useful information).

Loop starting from the pretty village of Crécy-la-Chapelle. Varied landscapes: fields, forests, villages and river, Grand Morin valley. Picnic in the village of Dammartin-sur-Tigeaux and return along the river.

Between Villiers and Crécy, you walk along the hillsides through fields, meadows and small woods. Crécy-la-Chapelle offers views of its canal, beautiful old houses, the Church of Saint-Georges and the Moulin Saint-Martin, as well as a very pleasant walk along the Grand Morin.

Short circuit around Claye-Souilly and its shopping area, in the Bois de Claye and the Claye-Souilly Regional Forest. You can reach the Ourcq Canal, the Dhuys Aqueduct, the Papillon de la Prée Communal Park and its educational farm.

A short circuit to discover beautiful panoramic views of the Jablines outdoor recreation centre, the banks of the Marne and the Dhuis promenade in Dampmart.

A pleasant loop, mostly on dirt tracks, signposted from Dampmart, which takes you through the village of Carnetin and then along the Marne. On the banks of the Marne, you can observe local wildlife (squirrels, muskrats, moorhens, etc.). Discover the Vallières forest (beech trees) and the Dhuis aqueduct built under Napoleon. Beautiful views of the Marne valley.

After a long walk along the banks of the Marne, this walk takes you up the hillsides on the right bank to enjoy beautiful views of the valley to the east and the Butte de Montgé to the north.

A circular walk from Lagny-Thorigny station, with a beautiful variety of landscapes. Beautiful view of the Marne valley from the cute little village of Carnetin. Chalifert tunnel and lock. And the exceptional Dhuys sculpture garden, which alone is worth the trip.

A hike dominated by water, with a long stretch along the Marne towpath and crossing two wetlands on boardwalks. After a nice touch of industrial heritage at the former Menier chocolate factory, you cross Noisiel Park on wide paths in search of some remarkable trees.