PR 22 – The « path of Dame Claude »
Description
This itinerary takes in a charming village in Seine-Saint-Denis. It has managed to keep the village spirit within the same community, where traditional pavillions make up most of the housing complex. Here you can find parks, lakes and ponds, an aqueduct and statues of dinosaures not forgetting the view point over the Marne valley and Eastern Paris.
Technical informations
15 km
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max. 117 m
min. 38 m
192 m
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Accessibility | ||||
Style : Discovery Public : Occasional hikersExperienced hikers Themes : CulturalPatrimony | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Reach the Courbet Park
From Gagny RER station turn left onto rue Clemenceau then right onto rue du 11 Novembre ; right onto avenue Henri Barbusse ; left onto rue des Collines ; right onto chemin des Bourdons until the entrance to Courbet park
To the Dhuis Acqueduct
Go into the park and walk round it from the right. Exit via the gate on the left on rue Bosquet. Take the road on the left then chemin de Bourdons on the right ; avenue de Gagny and go straight on down boulevard du Midi ; allée Notre-Dame des Anges until the start of the Dhuis aqueduct.
To the 7 islands junction
Follow the aqueduct and the aqueduct path until the carrefour des 7 iles.
To the Arboretum
Take rue du 19 mars 1962 on the right, then avenue des Dahlias on the left ; avenue des Orchidées, avenue des Marguerites. Follow rue de Franceville on the right and then the path that passes alongside the arboretum on the left leading out onto the plateau.
To the railway
Head towards the left leaving the forest park, bois de l’Étoile on your right. Take chemin de Montguichet on the right and rue Pablo Picasso on the left. Head down right towards the cul de sac and take the path that runs alongside the sports grounds. Pass between the houses and turn left onto rue du 18 Juin, rue Léon Blum, rue des Sablons. Take the footbridge to cross the railway line
To the end of Chesnay wharf
Take the turn on the left keeping alongside the railway line via rue Laennec and then take quai de Chesnay on the right and follow it until the end.
To the Croissant Vert and Maison Blanche parks.
Follow successively the streets, Valenciennes, Corneille, Infroit, des Marronniers and then Paul Vaillant Couturier, avenue de Chesnay, Maison Blanche and Racine. Go in to the park, Croissant Vert. Head straight on and cross the park to exit at the level of the D301. Take this D301 on the right to reach avenue de Bretagne and the park Maison Blanche
To Gagny RER Station
Go in to the park and walk around the lake Maison Blanche. Exit via rue du Belvédère. Take avenue de Normandie, la Clairière, Picardie, Château, Saintonge , J.Segrettin and then Chemin de la Fossette. Turn left onto rue A.Briand (for safety reasons, cross these avenues using the pedestrian crossing 20 meters further on the right) then rue d’Avron. Reach Gagny RER station via rue de Maison Blanche.
Use pedestrian pathway 20 meters on right
For safety reasons, cross avenues using the pedestrian crossing 20 meters further on the right
Additional information
Departure at Gagny RER E station
The walk start at Gagny RER E station.
Data author
The Cirkwi brief
Let's embark on a stroll through the quaint streets and serene natural sights of Gagny, guided by the meticulous planning of FFRandonnee Seine-Saint-Denis. This journey, unlike any other, paints the town with strokes of community spirit, where traditional housing melds seamlessly with the verdant allure of parks, a lake, and even whimsical dinosaur statues. A treasure nestled in Seine-Saint-Denis, this trail invites you to marvel at the peaceful coexistence of nature and heritage, offering a glimpse into the area’s bucolic past and architectural elegance. Ready your senses for an immersive escape into Gagny's enchanting vistas.
Technical Trail Overview
This route unfolds over 15.26 kilometers, weaving through the town of Gagny with elevations ranging from 38 to 117 meters above sea level. The total positive elevation change is a modest 1 meter, which points to a relatively smooth journey, suitable for most walkers. Despite the minimal elevation, the trail presents varied terrains that add a gentle challenge, encapsulating the essence of a rewarding walking adventure. A great option for those seeking both scenic beauty and a touch of physical exertion without overwhelming difficulty.
Seasonal Advice and Safety
While this trail is mesmerizing year-round, each season paints it in a distinctive palette. Spring and fall offer the most temperate conditions, ideal for appreciating the area's flora and fauna. Summer's warmth beckons with lush greenery, though early mornings are recommended to avoid midday heat. Winters, often mild, still require careful planning for shorter days and cooler temperatures. Ensuring proper hydration, wearing suitable footwear, and carrying a map are fundamental, regardless of the season, to fully enjoy and safely navigate the PR - 22 trail.
Historical and Cultural Insights
Gagny's place within the fabric of Seine-Saint-Denis is both vibrant and historical. The town, with its roots deeply embedded in French history, presents a unique blend of traditional and contemporary lifestyles. The significance of locations such as the Maison-Rouge ponds stretches beyond their natural beauty, hinting at Gagny's aristocratic past and its evolution through centuries. This trail, therefore, is not just a path but a journey through time, offering a tangible connection to the past amidst the town's modern-day charm.
Regional Weather and Best Visits
The climate in Seine-Saint-Denis can be described as temperate, with distinct seasonal changes. Summers are warm, making early mornings the best time for a hike to avoid the midday sun. Winters are generally mild but can occasionally be brisk, so layering up is advisable. Spring and autumn present the most pleasant conditions, with balanced temperatures and fewer rain showers, making them the optimal seasons for exploring the PR - 22 trail. For an experience rich in color and comfort, aim for a visit during these transitional seasons.