Fontainebleau forest: Croix du Calvaire, Denecourt Tower and Sponge Rock
Departure from Avon (Seine-et-Marne)
It is a short, relatively easy circuit exploring some curiosities of the forest of Fontainebleau around the Avon SNCF train station, namely the views over the Croix du Calvaire, the Sponge Rock, Denecourt Tower and fountains. One could also call it the fountain circuit.
The “Circuit des 25 Bosses” (the 25 Bumps Circuit)
Departure from Le Vaudoué (Seine-et-Marne)
As the name suggests, is this route ascends 25 mounds that form a circuit of the of the Trois Pignons forest. A hike amid the rocks that makes an excellent training run before mountain hikes in the summer.
N.B. The elevation is underestimated: between 800 and 900 metres total cumulative change in altitude. It’s difficult to find a larger change in altitude in the Ile-de-France, unless you want to take the steps up and down the Eiffel Tower three times on the trot. Expect to be walking for 6 to 7 hours.
Station to station in the Forest of Fontainebleau: ponds and boulders
Departure from Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)
Long but very nice hike station to station in the Forest of Fontainebleau. It goes through several viewpoints, ponds, little known corners, stunning scenery.
A great tour of the east of Fontainebleau Forest.
Departure from Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)
This quite long route allows you to discover exceptional sites such as the Rempart du Restant du Long Rocher ('the rampart of the remainder of Long Rock'), Béatrix Cave and Carrosse Rock. You will also go past magnificent viewpoints, rarely visited walkways and some beautiful ponds, typical of the forest.
Hike in Fontainebleau forest: a tour of the Apremont Gorges
Departure from Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)
Fontainebleau forest is one of the most beautiful French forests thanks to its varied landscapes and, in particular, its sandstone blocks. This hike circles the Apremont gorges along the Colinet-Denecourt path N°6 and lets you enjoy it in all its beauty and fragility, the latter due both to natural erosion and human use, and is near the Paris region.
In the Massif des Trois Pignons
Departure from Noisy-sur-École (Seine-et-Marne)
The Massif des Trois Pignons is situated on the edge of Fontainebleau forest. The walk takes you past the Rocher des Guetteurs, the Sables du Cul du Chien, the Diplodocus, and the Rocher de la Tortue.
Les Gorges de Franchard and l'Antre des Druides
Departure from Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)
Starting from an old retreat which has been visited since the 11th century, this hike allows you to explore the Gorges de Franchard and the surrounding areas. Winding through rocks and several rock shelters such as the well-known Antre des Druides.
N.B. The difference in altitude is probably higher than stated: roughly 100 metres and a 2 hour walk.
The Rocher du Long Boyau and the Gorges du Houx
Departure from Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)
From the Ermitage de Franchard, this is a very varied hike which will take you past old sandstone quarries, the Gorges du Houx and the charming Mare aux Pigeons. On the route are several vast viewing points, numerous spectacular rocks and the curious Grotte du Serment cave.
N.B. The elevation and the time shown appear to be under-estimated: count on about 250 meters and 4 hours of walking.
From Maintenon to the Mare aux Fées
Departure from Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne)
Depart from the Maison Forestière de Maintenon for a 16 km walk.
Around the Trois Pignons
Departure from Noisy-sur-École (Seine-et-Marne)
A pretty hike in the Massif des Trois Pignons, on the edge of Fontainebleau forest.
Sentier des Belvédères
Departure from Noisy-sur-École (Seine-et-Marne)
A course over hills, with beautiful views of the Massif des Trois Pignons. Passages on platières in the middle of the moor with an unobstructed view, interspersed with passages in undergrowth and amid boulders. A varied, rather sporty hike.
N.B. The drop is probably underestimated: expect something more in the order of 300 metres.