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Balconies and rocks of Fontainebleau
Description
Discovery of the Fontainebleau forest, first along balconies overlooking the Seine Valley dotted with beautiful residences, then through its woodland stands to the famous Denecourt Tower, where you will enjoy a wide panorama.
Between river and forest: landscapes rich in diversity discovery of the Fontainebleau forest and the landscapes along the banks of the Seine. From Massoury to Fontainebleau, your route, marked by beautiful mansions, leads to the famous Denecourt Tower, from which you can enjoy an exceptional panorama over the entire forest.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Additional information
Updated by
Seine et Marne Attractivité - 28/04/2026
www.tourisme-seine-et-marne.fr/
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Contact
Phone :
01 60 39 60 69
01 60 74 99 99
Email :
seine-et-marne@ffrandonnee.fr
info@fontainebleau-tourisme.com
Website :
http://www.randonnee-77.com/
http://www.fontainebleau-tourisme.com/
Open period
All year round daily.
Environments
Riverside
Waterside
Station district
In the country
Close to a public transportation
Less than 10 min walk from a train station
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Departure : 1. From the car park of Fontaine-le-Port train station (Paris arrival side), go up the road to Massoury. At the bend, before the washhouse, take Rue des Grillons on the left, then Rue Curie (RD135) on the left, and before entering Massoury, take Rue des Plantes on the left. Continue along Rue du Champ-Fleuri. After the last house, in the woods, go down the path on the left. Take the path on the right overlooking the railway line. Go down the road on the left, pass under the bridge, follow the RD39 to the right for 50m, then turn left to follow the Seine to the dam.
2. Take the footbridge over the Seine and continue to the right.
3. At the bridge, go up the avenue on the left. Take the allée de Barbeau on the left, leave allée de la Source on the right, and turn right twice to take the path between the transformer and the property. Cross the park. After the town hall, leave the park on the left. Follow the avenue to the right, pass under the bridge to the left, cross the square to the right and continue along Rue de la Paix. Take Rue Pasteur on the left, the avenue on the right, and the chemin des Coureurs on the right. Cross the RD138 and reach the junction of route de la Perlure and route des Ventes-Bouchard.
4. Turn left until you reach the crossroads of La Plaine Saint-Louis, then successively, take the second right, then turn left onto Route du Cerf, and then right at the second crossroad take Route de l'Hexagone until you reach Route de la Biche. Follow it to the right.
5. At the crossroads, make a left-right, cross the rocky chaos. Take on the left Route du Rocher Cassepot, cross the RD116 and at the next crossroads go right, then immediately after take on the left a path. Cross a paved track and go up to Denecourt Tower.
6. Go down the road on the left for 25m, then on the left a path, cross a wide track and continue on the right at the next one up to Carrefour Katrin Mansfield. Follow the second path on the right, then at the Bois de la Madeleine crossroads the third on the left. At the railway line, continue on the right and reach Avenue Franklin Roosevelt. Cross it and, by the stairs, reach Fontainebleau-Avon train station.
7. Finish
Data author
The Cirkwi brief
Imagine embarking on a journey that takes you through the heart of the iconic Fontainebleau forest, starting from the quaint parking lot of Fontaine-le-Port’s train station. This adventure, designed by Seine et Marne Attractivité, invites you to explore scenic balconies overlooking the Seine and its stately homes before diving deep into the forest’s dense woodlands leading to the majestic Denecourt Tower. The experience promises not just a physical trek but a voyage through the forest's lively essence, all the while offering breathtaking panoramas that span the entirety of this natural wonderland.
Technical Insight on the Trail
Spanning 16.5 kilometers with an elevation range from 40 to 126 meters, the route presents a modest challenge with a total positive elevation gain of approximately 237 meters. This trek is an ideal medium-level hike, recommending sturdy footwear due to the terrain’s mixed nature, including forest paths and rocky segments. The journey begins at the Fontaine-le-Port, offering a steady ascent towards the Denecourt Tower, marking the hike’s highest vantage point.
Seasonal Guide for Hikers
For a fulfilling experience, it’s key to gear up based on the season. Spring brings out the forest's blossoms and a cooler temperature ideal for hiking. Summer, though warm, offers lush greenery, demanding hydration and sun protection. Autumn is a spectacle of colors, with the woodland's palette turning the hike into a visual treat, though paths can be slippery with fallen leaves. Winter, often under a blanket of snow, requires careful preparation against cold temperatures. Throughout the year, always prioritize safety, staying on marked paths and using appropriate footwear.
Fontainebleau's Heritage Unveiled
Fontainebleau, nestled within the heart of the Seine-et-Marne department, is more than just a forest; it’s a living museum echoing the footsteps of French royalty and artists who found solace and inspiration within its bounds. With its historic castle and the renowned Barbizon school painters who captured the landscape's essence, Fontainebleau stands as a cultural beacon representing centuries of French heritage set against the backdrop of an unparalleled natural setting.
Climate Tips for Travelers
Fontainebleau enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The best times to visit are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when the weather is most favorable for hiking and outdoor activities. These periods also highlight the forest's natural beauty, from the fresh green of spring to the warm tones of autumn. Be mindful of summer's peak temperatures and winter's potential snow, which can transform the landscape but also present challenges for the unprepared traveler.