Tour of the Fontainebleau Forest
Description
Set out to discover an exceptional forest dotted with picturesque villages.
This 74-km loop in four stages allows you to explore and experience the multifaceted Fontainebleau Forest.
The muse of numerous painters, this sylvan treasure trove boasts a diversity of landscapes: ancient woodlands, rock piles, platières… and not a few breathtaking views. Along the way, you’ll also visit authentic villages adorned with charming sandstone homes.
Technical informations
74 km
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max. 137 m
min. 42 m
1018 m
1018 m
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Accessibility | ||||
Styles : HikingIn the countryForest Public : Experienced hikers | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Stage 1: from Fontainebleau to Bourron-Marlotte : Point 1
From the Place de la Gare railway square, go left down Rue du Viaduc, pass under the viaduct and stroll along Rue d’Avon. Enter the undergrowth, skirt a residential area and cross the D138 secondary-road roundabout. Take the opposite diagonal path, bear right, then follow the right-hand path halfway up the hill overlooking the Seine River. Turn right, cross the D138 and then turn left onto Route de la Butte-Montceau crossing the D137. At the Petite-Haie crossroads, turn left onto Route de la Petite-Haie, and at the Duchâtel crossroads turn right onto Route des Fraillons. Arrive at the Thomery railway station (7.3 km).
Point 2
Walk through the underground passage and continue along Route des Fraillons. Turn right onto Route du Rocher-d’Avon, cross the D606 roundabout and turn left onto Route de Montmorin. Turn left onto Route du Chêne-Feuillu, then right onto Route Lefoin (4.5 km).
Point 3
Turn right onto Route des Sablons (GR 11), then pass through the Massif de la Malmontagne wood to reach Route de la Paisson (4.3 km).
Point 4
Turn left onto Route de la Paisson, cross the Long Rocher rock formation and turn right onto Route de la Grande-Vallée. Walk down to the Bourron-Marlotte church (4.6 km).
Point 5
Continue right (GR 13B) until the railway station (1 km).
Stage 2: from Bourron-Marlotte to the Franchard hermitage : Point 6
From the railway station, follow the left-hand road (GR 13), pass under the D607 secondary road, skirt the sand quarry and enter Recloses. Leave the village by heading north and enter the forest via Route des Petites-Mars (7 km).
Point 7
Turn left onto Route des Barnolets, then right onto Route d’Arbonne and cross the D152. At the Les Ventes-aux-Perches crossroads, turn left onto Route Circulaire, then left again onto Route Descamps to arrive at the Le Bois-Rond car park (7.1 km).
Point 8
Turn right onto the Arbonne-to-Achères road (GR 1), then head northeast to cross through the Gorge aux Archers gorges and by the Rocher de Milly outcropping. Skirt the Franchard Gorges to reach the Franchard hermitage (8.2 km, ONF forest service car park on the right).
Stage 3: from the Franchard hermitage to Bois-le-Roi : Point 9
Head north via the Route du Fourneau-David (GR 1). Cut left onto Route du Puits-au-Géant to reach Route de la Gorge-aux-Néfliers (2.8 km).
Point 10
Climb right, continue left and then head north to reach the Bas-Bréau crossroads (1.3 km).
Point 11
Follow Route des Artistes (GR 1) and at the Epine crossroads, walk through the passage passing under the D607 secondary road. Continue on through the Rochers du Cuvier-Chatillon rocks, head north and at the Canon rock, turn right. Cross Route Ronde and the D606 to reach the Bois-le-Roi railway station (9 km).
Stage 4: from Bois-le-Roi to Fontainebleau-Avon : Point 12
From the railway station, pass under the railway bridge and turn right (GR 1) to cross the Parc de la Mairie park (0.7 km).
Point 13
Leave the GR 1 to the left and take the forest path on the right; follow a succession of narrow roads and alleyways all the way to the forest’s edge. Turn left onto the path leading to the UCPA sports centre of Bois-le-Roi, turn right onto Route du Bineur, cross the D116 secondary road and arrive at a junction (6,1 km).
Point 14
Turn left onto Route Victor (GR 2) and then right onto Promenade de Samois. Turn right and pass the Barbeau crossroads to reach Samois. Walk to the Seine River, cross the Île du Berceau island and continue along the quays. Climb the stairs on the right and follow the left-hand path paralleling the river (8 km).
Point 15
Climb up to the right towards the roundabout, cross Route de Bourgogne, continue along the opposite trail and then follow Route Berthe. Upon entering Avon, turn right, cross the D137 and pass under the railway. Turn left onto Route Gaston-Bonnier (1.8 km).
Point 16
Continue straight on (GR 1E) to reach the Fontainebleau-Avon railway station (1.1 km).
Points of interest
Au buffet de la gare
Traditional French cuisine. Labeled "Maître restaurateur" (all dishes home-made by a certified professional chef). Labeled "Qualité Tourisme" (Qualité Tourisme™ is the only official trademark awarded to tourism professionals for their hospitality and service quality.)Ideally located at the Fontainebleau-Avon railway station, a 15 minute walk to the Chateau, the restaurant features a large, air-conditioned conservatory. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, special offer of a variety of burgers. Brunch on the week-ends, from 10:00 to 13:00 The restaurant is open in the evening only on reservation with a minimum of 15 guests. The restaurant can accomodate groups up to 120 people. Possibility of exclusive renting for receptions, corporate events, weddings.
Bourron-Marlotte
Thanks to it's privileged location on the edge of the forest , Bourron-Marlotte attracts many painters, musicians and writers such as Auguste, Renoir, Cezanne, Corot . Walking through the streets, the houses reveal their antique charm, recalling the atmosphere of the 19th century. The town hall/museum conserves many of the works of the painter's who came to paint for a short while or who came to live here permanently. A tour following the footsteps of the artists allows you to discover their homes.The village has preserved its charms and its quality of life. Those who come to experience the nice ambiance stroll along the small picturesque streets or in the footsteps of the painter’s towards the forest. The artist houses and also the town hall painting collection of 200 works bears witness to an outstanding artistic past during the 19th century and the impressionist era. Literature also had its quarters here Emile Zola wrote in the village and the “Villa chansonnière” was a musical hub. Jean Renoir shot his first movie here and lived for 20 years in the village. Gastronomic venues like the local Bistrot “Le Martingo” which formerly was a meeting point for artists a local honey producer “Delices de la Ruche” sells all kind of Gâtinais honey … Bourron Marlotte in many ways is a delightful village.
La Caverne des Brigands
La caverne des Brigands is located in the heart of the forest in Barbizon. Come enjoy drinks, French fries, waffles, pancakes, ice cream, and traditional brasserie cuisine. Restaurant with terrace.The large restaurant room, featuring a mountain chalet decor can accommodate groups of 20 to 80 people. For groups of more than 20 people, three menus are available on reservation. The large shaded terrace will allow you to enjoy the forest.
La Croix d'Augas
Located in the heart of the forest, La Croix d'Augas offers Savoy-region specialities as well as salads, grilled meats, fish and a seasonal menu. Meals from the menu or "A la Carte". The room can receive 110 people. The two terraces, back and front, will welcome you during the sunny days.The room can accommodate 110 people. For groups of more than 20 people, three menus are available on reservation.
Restaurant-Café de la Paix
Dans un bel édifice de la fin XIXe, avec terrasse et salon privé, ancien repère d'artistes, Felipe et toute son équipe vous accueillent dans un cadre cosy chic à l'ambiance chaleureuse et intimiste.Quelle que soit l'occasion, un tête-à-tête, un repas en famille ou entre amis, un événement particulier mais aussi un repas d'affaires ou de groupes, le Café de la Paix vous propose des plats savoureux. Pour des événements particuliers tels que : réceptions familiales , repas de groupes, plusieurs menus sont proposés en fonction des saisons (à définir à l’avance lors des réservations). Terrasse ombragée de 80 couverts 4 salles de restaurants : Salle-Bar : idéale pour prendre un verre Salle-Cave à vins : 20/25 couverts Salon-Cheminée : 20 couverts Salle-Réception : 40/50 couverts Nos menus sont maintenant disponibles par QR code afin de respecter au mieux les mesures sanitaires. Ceux ci sont collés sur les tables et renvoient systématiquement à notre site internet. Toutes les mesures du protocole sanitaire sont respectées pour garantir la santé des clients et de nos équipes. Distanciation des tables, gel à l’entrée et la sortie, port du masque de nos équipes, et comme demandé par les mesures gouvernementales: port du masque par nos clients s’ils doivent entrer dans l’établissement.
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 01 60 39 60 69
Email : seine-et-marne@ffrandonnee.fr
Website :
baladnature77.cirkwi.com/#!page=circuit&id=56626&langue=fr
www.randonnee-77.com/
Open period
All year round.
Updated by
Seine et Marne Attractivité - 23/10/2023
www.seineetmarnevivreengrand.fr/
Report a problem
Tips
Safety instructions and good practices: - Respect the French highway code at all times and in all locations and remain courteous and polite with those you meet along the way. - Remain vigilant during the entirety of your outing. Don’t stray from the paths and trails, respect private properties, and carefully cross all streets and roads. Carefully follow the instructions and directions provided for each itinerary. - Respect the area’s flora and fauna, and leave no waste or trash behind. - Prior to departure, make sure that your smartphone or tablet is sufficiently charged. - When preparing your walk or hike, consider the level of difficulty for your chosen loop (especially if you’re bringing along children). - Prior to setting out, consult the weather forecast and remember to wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, rainwear, a cap, sunscreen and sunglasses (depending on the season), a first-aid kit, a snack and water to drink during your outing. Also consider bringing along binoculars and a camera. - If you happen to notice any anomaly while following an itinerary, please don’t hesitate to write us! We value all such observations and remarks.
Data author
The Cirkwi brief
Embark on a remarkable journey through the heart of Fontainebleau, a trek that combines the natural beauty of its legendary forests with the charm of its traditional villages. Brought to you by Seine et Marne Attractivité, this excursion promises a blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration. Revel in the artistic muse of countless painters as you navigate through vast groves, rocky chaos, and panoramic plains. This route not only unveils the scenic diversity of Fontainebleau but also invites you into the authentic life of its quaint villages. Feel inspired as you step into a world where every turn offers a story.
Trail Insights and Specs
Traversing a distance of 74km with elevations ranging from 42m to 137m, this itinerary presents a modest challenge. The total positive elevation change adds up to 1018m, offering gradual yet persistent ascents. Designed primarily for walking, it suits a range of fitness levels. The pathway leads through varying terrain, equipping adventurers with a comprehensive experience of Fontainebleau's diverse landscapes. This technical breakdown aims to guide potential trekkers in understanding the physical demands and layout of their impending journey.
Seasonal Advice for Trekkers
Regardless of the season, Fontainebleau's trails offer their unique charms. However, preparation is key. In spring and autumn, layered clothing caters to the fluctuating temperatures. Summer demands sun protection and plenty of water, as the paths can be more exposed. Winter walkers should be wary of icy patches, especially at higher altitudes. Always inform someone of your route and expected return, and consider time of day to avoid getting caught out after dark. These tips ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience in the enchanting forests of Fontainebleau.
Historic Essence of Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau, a region steeped in history, offers more than just scenic beauty. Located in the heart of France, its significance dates back centuries, with the forest surrounding the famed château serving both royalty and artists as a source of inspiration. The area's villages, with their distinctive sandstone homes, echo the cultural richness and artisanal heritage of this unique corner of France. Understanding the historic and cultural backdrop enriches the visiting experience, adding depth to the natural landscapes and architectural wonders encountered along the way.
Fontainebleau's Weather Outlook
Fontainebleau's climate is generally temperate, marked by mild summers and cool winters. The best visiting periods are late spring through early autumn, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. During these months, the forest comes alive with verdant foliage and a vibrant ecosystem, offering an ideal setting for exploration. Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, so it's wise to pack rain gear despite the season. This regional climate guide aids trekkers in planning their adventure, ensuring a pleasant experience in Fontainebleau's great outdoors.