Wednesday 12 December: Saulx and Gravigny

The old station at Saulx les Chartreux

Here are the details of the walk Stuart Ellis will be leading 12 December:

Start: Lozère RER (B)
Finish: Gravigny Balizy RER (C) with option to extend (2km) to Petit Vaux
Distance: 17km (Gravigny Balizy) or 19km (Petit Vaux)
Terrain: Downhill and then flat! Cross-country section may be muddy!

This week's walk takes us from the Chevreuse valley crossing the plain to the east towards Longjumeau, following the Yvette river. From Lozère RER we descend to the Yvette and follow the well-maintained footpath which goes under the A10 and takes us to the Bassin de Saulx. There we'll walk around enjoying the wildlife before heading to Saulx les Chartreux where we will lunch in La Jonchère Park.

After lunch we follow the track of the old Arpajonais railway, stopping first at the old station. Unfortunately we are 75 years too late to catch the train to Paris! We end by walking through Balizy along the Rouilion stream which joins the Yvette near Gravigny Balizy RER. There is an option to continue another 2km along the banks of the Yvette to Petit Vaux.

Going out:
9.26 Chatelet Les Halles RER B (direction St. Remy)
**Meet up in last carriage**
arrive 9.57 Lozère (zone 4).

Getting back:
Gravigny Balizy (zone 4): trains depart for gare d'Austerlitz at '20, '35 and '50 minutes each hour
...or for the longer walk
Petit Vaux (zone 4): trains depart for gare d'Austerlitz at '23, '38 and '53 minutes each hour

Weather-wise anything but rain will be regarded as a blessing but come suitably clothed as usual. There's plenty to see and some surprises so hope to see you there!

Best Regards,
Stuart

mobile: 06 19 85 25 56

Pont des Templiers on the Rouillon at Balizy

Wednesday 12 December at Saint Cloud

It seems the inclement weather did not discourage you hardy hikers last week. It doesn't appear that the weather will be much better this week, so get out your mufflers, bonnets and gloves and join us for another exhilarating walk. 

You have two choices. In addition to the walk that Stuart proposes, Prudence has offered to lead a "shortish" hike in the Parc de St. Cloud, just a hop, skip and jump from Paris. Pardon my old-fashioned expressions. 

Prudence will meet you at the Pont de Sevres stop (last stop) of Metro line 9 at 10.00. Come up at the exit marked Musée de Sevres where she will be waiting for you. The itinerary will take you across the bridge and into the Parc for a loop which will bring you back to the same metro station. 

Bring a picnic lunch, rain and snow protection, and your usual good humor.

Prudence's cell phone:
06 63 44 60 09 
prukupka@aol.com

Wednesday 5 December: Nostalgia in the Forêt de Fontainebleau

Early winter scene in Fontainebleau Forest

This Wednesday we will return to the Forêt de Fontainebleau with François Bechet. Our walk, reminiscent of our walks with Ellen Vivet, will be a loop starting and ending at the Fontainebleau Avon station, about 12-15 km depending on the weather, and whether we decide to go among the rocks.

Departure : Gare de Lyon, train N°51815 à 9.19, direction Montargis, arriving  9.57 at Fontainebleau-Avon. Meet as usual at the tail end of the train at the gare de Lyon.

Return by the train at 15.00, unless we are late or decide to stop for a drink at the café. (Here’s looking at you, Ellen!) Trains every half hour for a 40 minute journey.

You will need the usual picnic lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles might be a good idea on this terrain.

On the day of the walk only: mobile 06 09 41 14 66.

Bien amicalement,
François

Wednesday 28 November, two forest walks

Again this week two hikes have been proposed, a longer one with Judy C. and a shorter one with Dominique R. Might we be blessed with sun at last? In any case, enjoy the fresh air and good company.

The château at Maisons Lafitte

First option: Maisons Laffitte and the Foret de Saint Germain

This week we will walk mainly in the Forêt de Saint Germain, about 17km, almost entirely on the level from Maisons Laffitte before returning to the same station. We will pass the pavillon de la Muette (no longer in use) an old hunting lodge built for Louis XV in 1775 on the ruins of a 16th century château which had belonged to Francois I. Towards the end of the walk we will come to the impressive château de Maisons built by Mansart over a period of more than 20 years and completed in 1651 for the Longueil family.

Travel Arrangements

I will drive so will see you at the front entrance of Maisons Laffitte station (place de la Liberation )

Take RER A  train UBOS from Chatelet Les Halles at 9.31 arriving at Maisons Laffitte 9.53 (zone 4). The train stops at Auber 9.33, Etoile 9.36, La Defense 9.41.

There are many trains around this time and they do not always run exactly to time so if you think you are on another train call me and we will wait for you. The trains run very frequently back to Paris in the afternoon

See you Wednesday with appropriate footwear, warm and waterproof clothes, and lunch.

Judy Choat

mobile number 06 79 48 38 81

The Vallée aux Loups in November

Second option: From the Vallée aux Loups to to the Bois de Verrières

This will be a walk of nearly 10 km with some hills, nothing difficult except for one short steep descent. We'll walk mostly through Chatenay-Malabry (the woods) then through Verrières le Buisson, following the Vallée de la Bievre to Amblainvilliers. There we'll take the bus 294 for return to the Gare de Robinson. 

Half an hour before ending the walk we'll pass near the Gare d'Igny (zone 4) so you can take the line RER C if you prefer it for your return.

Travel Arrangements

Departure from Châtelet Les Halles at 9.35 RER B train SPAC, direction Robinson. Arrival at Robinson (zone 3) at 10.01. The same train leaves Denfert Rochereau at 9.43. Be there earlier.

Buy RER ticket + a metro ticket for a bus (or Mobilis zone 4 if it's better for you). At the gare de Robinson walk to the head of the train then to the right and take the exit avenue Jules Guesde. l'll be at the top of the stairs.

Return from Robinson to Paris every 15 minutes.

Bring appropriate clothes and shoes, a picnic lunch and don't forget your sticks.

See you on Wednesday!
Dominique
06 33 23 07 31
dominika.raveau@gmail.com

Wednesday 21 November at Vincennes or in the Mantois

Vincennes as shown in the Très Riches Heures du duc de Berri

This week we have two options. Jean Chameroy will lead a walk in the Bois de Vincennes and Claude Faure will guide us in the Forêt de Rosny-sur-Seine near Mantes.

First here's Jean's info:

We will walk around the lakes of the Bois de Vincennes, nearly 10 kms on flat ground. Meet at 10 o'clock under the golden statue near the exit Porte Dorèe of Metro Line 8. We will return to the station Chateau de Vincennes, Line 1.

Dont forget your food, your clothes and your good humour.  

Jean :)

__________________________________________

Now here is Claude’s information : 

« Quoi de mieux pour réchauffer vos muscles engourdis par le froid, qu'une longue randonnée de 19km et 450m de dénivelé (3 chaussures) à travers la campagne mantoise? Sully, ministre d’Henri IV, sera un peu le fil conducteur de cette randonnée. Il nous fera découvrir sa magnifique et très vallonnée forêt de Rosny sur Seine aux couleurs de l'automne ainsi que la campagne environnante. »  

Roughly translated as : What better way to warm up your muscles numbed by the November cold than a 19km, three star hike through the countryside near Mantes, with 450 meters of positive and negative altitude change. Henry IV’s minister Sully will serve as the theme of this walk during which we will discover the magnificent undulating Rosny sur Seine Forest with its autumn colors.

Départ : Gare St Lazare à 9h07 en direction d'Evreux, arrivée à Mantes la Jolie (zone 5) à 9h39 où je vous attendrai pour prendre un bus en direction de Rosny.

Merci de descendre rapidement du train. Please get off the train rapidly so that we will not miss the bus connection.

Retour : Si la cadence de marche est soutenue, train à 17h10 à Mantes la Jolie arrivant à 18h07 à Paris St Lazare, sinon train toutes les 30 mn. 

If we walk quickly enough we can take the 17.10 train back to St. Lazare. Otherwise, there are trains every 30 minutes.

Possibilité de billet Mobilis zone 5, sinon munissez vous de 2 tickets de métro pour l'aller-retour en bus à la gare de Mantes. 

If you do not have a 5-zone Mobilis ticket you will need two metro tickets for the bus.

N'oubliez pas des vêtements appropriés, de bonnes chaussures (terrain parfois pentu et glissant), votre pique-nique et votre bonne humeur habituelle. 

Be prepared for steep and/or muddy terrain.

See you on Wednesday.

Claude 

06 84 14 55 35

The château de Rosny

Wednesday 14 November from Torcy to Vaires

The Torcy Kayak Club

Michel Browne will lead us this coming Wednesday about 16 km along the Marne. Here is his information:

Starting from the Lagny Thorigny station we will  go west, following the Marne on its right bank to the Vaires lock at the beginning of the Chelles canal.  Crossing the Marne right after, we’ll go along the left bank across a new garden where the Torcy Kayak Club has its brand new clubhouse.  Our picnic could be there, around 2 hours after departure expected at 10.00.  There are modern benches but no tables.

In the afternoon we’ll tour the Noisiel chocolate factory site, now housing the Nestlé-France headquarters and its wonderful Venetian-style Saulnier brick mill, then walk in the Noisiel Park all the way down to the walking bridge of Gournay sur Marne.  Going back east we’ll walk along the Chelles canal and  the Vaires Lake recreation area, then to the station of Vaires sur Marne.   The entire walk is flat.

Departure time from Paris gare de l’Est on the 9.31 train to Meaux. The third stop is Lagny Thorigny (zone 5).  I’ll meet everyone at the Lagny Thorigny station at 10am. 

Return tickets should be taken from the Vaires sur Marne station, also zone 5, departure every 30 minutes back to the gare de l’Est.  

See you on Wednesday.

Michel

06 49 85 25 07

Ruins of the old mill at Gournay

Wednesday 7 November "Down by the Old Mill Stream"

The church at Oinville sur Montcient

 After Claude's delightful hike in the Vexin Francais four weeks ago we will continue our exploration of this region, starting at the same station, Meulan-Hardricourt, but going in a different direction, and returning from the town of Juziers. 

Our walk of about 15km will take is through woods, fields and villages: Gaillonnnet, Oinville sur Montcient (lunch spot) and la Chartre where we will make a quick stop at the Fontaine Saint Gaucher whose waters were reputed to cure epilepsy. 

The Moncient, which we will cross several times, is a stream of about 11km which joins the Aubette just before it empties into the Seine at Hardricourt. There will be some gentle hills, nothing difficult, except for mud in a few places. Does this surprise you considering the recent weather? 

There is no bailout possibility. The good news is that there is a café-restaurant in Oinville where we can stop for a hot drink after lunch. Oinville had several mills on the Montcient, one of which is on our itinerary.  http://www.oinville-sur-montcient.fr/les-moulins.html 

Getting there: Gare Saint Lazare train MOCA, direction Mantes la Jolie, at 9.12, arriving at Meulan Hardricourt (zone 5) at 10.08 where I will await you just outside the station.

Return trains from Juziers (also zone 5): 16:07, 16:40, 17:00

Bring the usual picnic lunch, rain gear and wear the sturdiest, most waterproof hiking boots you own!

 

See you on Wednesday.

Mary Lynne

 

ML's contact information: 

mlfich@yahoo.com
01 47 41 98 20
06 70 88 18 59

The Fontaine Saint Gaucher

Wednesday 31 October from Etampes to Etréchy

The château de Villemartin

Etampes to Etrechy: Water Mills and Châteaux

Here are the details for the walk Stuart will be leading on 31 October:

Distance: 19km

Terrain: 2 hill climbs - fairly long but not steep - otherwise easy going

**NO BAIL-OUT OPTION**

For this week's walk we follow the course of La Juine river from Etampes to Etrechy. From Saint Martin d'Etampes RER we join the Juine and follow it through the Parc de Loisirs to Morigny-Champigny where we will have lunch next to the église de la Trinité. 

After lunch we make a slow climb out of the town through woods and descend to the small hamlet of Champigny where we will pass by the well-preserved 15th-century château de Villemartin, a rare example of a rural manor house pre-dating the Wars of Religion, and the 19th century château de Jeurre, famous for its gardens and statues. From here we continue along the Juine to Etrechy RER. All along the Juine we pass by old water mills!

                                     

Getting there: 9.32 gare d'Austerlitz RER C (train ELBA) direction Saint Martin d'Etampes arriving at 10.31 Saint Martin d'Etampes (zone 5). Meet up in the last carriage. 

Getting back: Etrechy – gare d'Austerlitz. Trains every '05 & '35 minutes past the hour.

Whether it rains or not, it will certainly be colder than recently, so please come prepared with warm clothes and, of course, your never-failing good humour!

Regards,

Stuart

Wednesday 24 October from Le Vésinet to Vaucresson

Claude Monet, the Seine at Bougival

 Two Bobs are better than one. But not by much.

On Wednesday 24 October Bob Levy and Bob Deutsch will lead us the 16 km from Le Vésinet Centre (RER A) to Vaucresson (SNCF); both are in zone 4.

To start we will follow the fall-color-lined stream which winds its way from Le Vésinet, to Le Peq, and back to Le Vesinet.  Then it's along the Seine, crossing the bridge to the Impressionists-favored village Bougival.  Even if this section of the walk is all you do, it will be well worth it.

From Bougival each Bob will lead a separate group uphill.  For those desiring a steep climb to forest trails, one Bob will provide.  For those favoring a non-steep uphill amble to those same trails, the other Bob will oblige. Together we will continue through forest-trail and lane to the picture-perfect town square at La Celle Saint Cloud where we will lunch.  Continuing on we descend through forest colors to the Gare at Vaucresson.  Depending on time, weather, and interest, the walk can be extended 2-3 km to the station at Garches (Zone #3).

NOTES:

• For those who wish to do only the first part of the walk (Vesinet-Bougival) the flat path along the Seine can easily be followed back to RER A at Chatou. A map will be provided.
• A snack break is planned following the uphill from Bougival. Fruit, even a small sandwich is recommended as lunch might be later than usual.
• Technical stops are hard (but not impossible) to accommodate in the walk's first hour. Please plan accordingly.
• There are several uphills and downhills throughout the day.  None are on difficult trails.  None are long. 

MEET-UP INFORMATION:

Châtelet Les Halles RER A direction Saint Germain en Laye, rear of the platform (the LAST car): 9:15 am for the 9:24 RER A, arriving at Le Vesinet Centre at 9:47.  That same train stops at Etoile at 9:30, and La Défense at 9:34.  At that hour RER A trains run quite frequently.  If you wish to take an earlier train we will meet you at Vésinet.  However be certain that the A you take stops at Le Vésinet-Centre !!!

From Vaucresson, SNCF trains run every 30 minutes to La Défense and Saint Lazare.

As always, picnic lunch, strong water-resilient shoes and outer garments.

Bob Levy:

LEVYBOB@SBCGLOBAL.NET

RAL415@GMAIL.COM

09 79 67 70 88
On Day of Hike: 06 43 45 58 33

New: here are some pictures from the day of the walk.

Wednesday 17 October around Cergy

Next Wednesday, Daniel Perot will lead us in and around the ville nouvelle de Cergy-Pontoise. Here is his info.

In the wake of the walk led by Bob in May... Starting from the giant RER station clock at Cergy St Christophe, "biggest in Europe", we'll admire some truly monumental architecture, then wander along the banks of the Oise where it loops around the Cergy leisure center.

Mercredi prochain notre randonnée s'effectuera à Cergy, le long de l'Oise, qui dans un méandre entoure la base de loisirs. Nous démarrerons sous l'horloge gigantesque, la plus grande d'Europe, et là nous découvrirons une architecture audacieuse dans un secteur contrasté, avant d'aller apprécier les bords de l'eau.

Getting there...
Take the RER A (UBOS) headed for Cergy le Haut at:
   - Châtelet Les Halles 9.30.
   - Charles de Gaulle Etoile 9.36
   - La Défense 9.41
Meet-up at the head of the train.

Arrive at Cergy Saint Christophe (next to the last stop) at 10.14.
Meet-up: at the exit, near the clock. Look up you should find it.
Return from the same station (zone 5). Frequent trains.

The walk should last about 3½ hours, some 14 km. The ground is flat.
For a shorter walk, it is easy to leave the group and return to the station earlier.

Bring the usual good shoes, picnic lunch, and appropriate weather gear.  As
the rains have returned, consider a plastic 'sheet' or other covering for
sitting on wet ground, rocks, or tree-trunks at lunch.

To contact Daniel:
daniel.perot@free.fr
09 50 56 65 26

01 45 90 65 26.
Mobile (only on the day of the walk) : 06 99 20 70 79.

Wednesday 10 October along the Aubette

Condécourt, château de Villette

This week Claude will lead us through villages, countryside and woods of the the Valley of the Aubette in the Vexin Francais. Here is his information:

A pretty brook in the the Vexin, the Aubette: old washhouses, a château, charming villages with their Romanesque churches, a former sandstone quarry—in short, a dream. But it's a dream that doesn't come for free, with a hilly trail of 20km and 425m change in altitude but no major difficulties.

Un joli ruisseau du Vexin, l'Aubette, des lavoirs, un château, de charmants villages et leurs églises romanes dans une campagne vallonnée, une ancienne carrière de grès, le rêve quoi ! Mais c'est un rêve qui se mérite sur un parcours vallonné de 20 km et 425 m de dénivelé, sans difficulté majeure, qui vaut au maximum deux chaussures et demi.

Départ : Gare Saint Lazare train MOCA à 9h12 en direction de Mantes la Jolie, arrivée à Meulan Hardricourt (zone 5) à 10h08 où je vous attendrai.

Retour: Gare Meulan Hardricourt à 14h43 ou 15h13, selon notre allure de marche.

Bring appropriate clothes (sun or rain, but snow is not forecast), your picnic and your usual high spirits. See you Wednesday!

Vêtements appropriés (soleil ou pluie ?, pas de neige prévue), pique-nique et bonne humeur habituelle.

A mercredi.

Claude

01 30 92 04 95

06 84 14 55 35 le jour de la rando

In downtown Meulan

...And an alternative!

Since I am not quite up to Claude's 20 km walk (although it sounds great!) how about a short one near Paris, in the Foret de Meudon? 

Starting at the SNCF gare de Chaville Rive Gauche at 10:09, departure from gare Montparnasse at 9:50, and return on RER C from Meudon Val Fleuri, frequent trains. I will meet you at Chaville Rive Gauche. 

We'll walk through the woods, some gentle up and down, around a couple of ponds, not more than about 8 km. It's been raining, so there will be some mud; bring rain gear, water, a snack/lunch. 

If it's open we could stop at La Cabane des Pecheurs for a cafe.

Hope to see you then, tout de bon,

Prudence

prukupka@aol.com

01 46 26 03 06 

06 63 44 60 09

Wednesday 3 October above the Yvette

Gif sur Yvette

ABOVE THE RIVER YVETTE: SECRET STAIRWAYS AND PRIVATE BACKYARDS

On Wednesday 3 October Bob Levy will lead a 15 km. walk in the hills above and along the River Yvette, from Lozère (RER B) to the village Saint Rémy lès Chevreuse (RER 'B').  

From Lozère a wonderful network of trails winds gently uphill and down, all-but-hidden paths that take us between countryside backyards, offering views of the valley below.  We pass through three forests, across wide fields, down 'ancient' stairways, finally descending to the Yvette at the village Gif sur Yvette.  From here, a riverside walk takes us to Saint Remy, the final leg (Courcelle to Saint Rémy) passing a pair of lovely ponds.

The walk would be classified 'easy'.  However there is a single short flight of steps uphill early in the day, plus a winding rock stairway downhill a bit later.  If you are considering walking sticks, bring them.

For those who desire a shorter day, there are two alternative return points.  Gif sur Yvette (10 km) and Courcelle (13 km).

MEET UP: Châtelet Les Halles (RER B) direction Saint Rémy at 9.15 for the 9.26 train to Lozère. We will meet at the front (the first car) of the train.   For those wishing to board at stations further down the line (Saint Michel, Luxembourg, etc.) allow 2 minutes for each station between yours and Châtelet.

RETURN: Trains return to Paris every 15 minutes from any of the three end points (Gif, Courcelle, Saint Rémy). All stations are in zone 5.

Bring the usual good shoes, picnic lunch, and appropriate weather gear.  As the rains have returned, consider a plastic 'sheet' or other covering for sitting on wet ground, rocks, or tree-trunks at lunch.

To contact Bob Levy:

LEVYBOB@SBCGLOBAL.NET

RAL@GMAIL.COM

            09-79-67-70-88      

On the day of the walk: 

            06-43-45-58-33 

Wednesday 26 September from Lagny to Pomponne and Beyond

The Marne at Pomponne

 Michael Browne will lead us on our first autumn walk.  It will start and end along the Marne and in between will traverse the countryside and villages. It will be 14 km and should take about 3.5 to 4 hours. Here is Michael's information.

 

Departure: From the gare de l’Est take the 9.31 train, direction Meaux (final destination), to Lagny Thorigny (zone 5). This is the third stop, around 25 minutes later.  Meet as usual at the end of the quai at the gare de l'Est to board the last car going out. I will be waiting for you at Lagny Thorigny station a bit before 10.

 

Right from the Lagny Thorigny station, the walk goes uphill through the fancy houses of Pomponne and into the countryside behind the small village of Carnetin via a part of the aqueduc de la Dhuys (a former supply of water for Paris).  From Carnetin and its beautiful view of the Northern loop of the Marne and the Jablines recreation area, the walk goes down to the river along the forêt de Vallières which offers many possible picnic spots but no tables, around 6 kms from the station.  Going back up the forest (single difficult part),  through the plateau of Thorigny,  back down to the southern part of the Marne loop on the aqueduc and along the Marne adds around 8 kms to reach the station.

 

You will need a picnic lunch, good walking shoes and the usual rain and sun protection.

 

Trains back from the Lagny Thorigny station to the gare de l’Est leave every half hour.

 

See you on Wednesday!

The aqueduc de la Dhuis at Carentin

Wednesday 16 September: Three churches in the Essonne

View of Breux Jouy

Distance: 16km
Terrain: 3 steepish climbs **NO BAIL-OUT OPTION**

This week's walk in the lovely Essonne takes in three interesting churches and a fox! From Breuillet Village we climb up the hill to the Porte des Bourdeaux and Saint Yon church and then follow the path to the village of Boissy sous Saint Yon where we will visit the Saint Thomas Becket church. 

As the name implies this church was associated with Thomas Becket when he fled to France after quarrelling with King Henry II of England. After his infamous murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 he was canonised and his tomb became one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Christendom.

We then move on to Saint Sulpice where we will have our lunch next to the church. After lunch we gently follow the Renarde (fox) stream to the lovely village of Souzy la Briche. Unfortunately we can't visit the charming château which is for Presidential use only!! From Souzy we climb up the hill and finally to Saint Cheron RER. For those who want a slightly longer walk we can continue from Saint Cheron back to Breuillet Village along the l'Orge river (4km).

Getting there:
09.17 Gare d'Austerlitz RER C (direction Dourdan) DEBO
10.07 Breuillet Village zone 5.

Return:
Saint Cheron: trains leave at '17 and '47 mins each hour
Breuillet Village: trains leave at '22 and '52 mins each hour

Since we will be visiting so many churches I'm sure that the Almighty will ensure good weather, but just in case come prepared!!

Best Regards,
Stuart

mobile:06 19 85 25 56

The village church of Saint Sulpice de Favières

Wednesday 12 September in the valley of the Mauldre

Near the vineyard at Beynes

On Wednesday, September 12, Judy Choat will lead us in the department of Les Yvelines. Here is her information. 

Our walk of 19.5 km will take us from Beynes to Mareil sur Mauldre through the forest, the countryside, and also the pretty villages of Herbeville , La Maladrerie, and Crespières. We will stop for lunch by a lake in the Bois de Abbecourt.

There are a few gentle ups and downs, but no difficulties , no steps. As usual wear appropriate footwear and bring lunch and water.

Owing to the vagaries of the Transilien train service it will have to be a rather early start and consequently a rather early lunch . A mid afternoon snack might be a good idea. This is a counterbalance to Stuart's late start and late lunch last Wednesday!!!

Travel

I will drive so will see you at Beynes

Take train MEPU at 8.39 from Montparnasse, direction Mantes la Jolie, to Beynes (zone 5) arriving 9.26 This train passes through Versailles Chantiers at 9.00. 

Return from Mareil sur Mauldre at 16.15 train PEMU arriving Montparnasse 17.11. The trains are only once an hour so we miss that one at our peril!

Judy Choat

Mobile number 06 79 48 38 81 

Herbeville

Wednesday 5 September from Jouy to Versailles

The manufacture des toiles de Jouy in 1805

Stuart will lead us on our first hike of the "rentrée", next Wednesday 5 September. Here is his information:

 

Jouy-en-Josas to Versailles

Distance: 19.5 km

Terrain: easy going, no steep hills

Bail-out option: Saint-Cyr (12 km)

This walk begins in the beautiful Bièvre valley at the historic town of Jouy-en-Josas, famed for its Toiles de Jouy and the Oberkampf family. The route passes by several buildings associated with the family and the manufacture of the cloth. Note: we won't be visiting the Toiles Museum which really needs a dedicated visit. 

We then follow the Bièvre to the town of Buc passing by the aquaduct Louis XIV had built to supply his famous fountains. Buc is famous for its association with the aviator Louis Blériot who set up the first airfield here soon after his historic crossing of the Channel and the town soon became the centre for the early pioneers of aviation. 

After Buc we head for the Domaniale de Versailles and walk along its many étangs. The aim is to have our picnic lunch (yes, there are picnic tables!) by a quiet étang... along with the water birds. After lunch we head for Saint-Cyr RER for those who want a shorter walk. 

For those who want to continue we follow the escarpment with its magnificent views of Versailles Palace where you can really appreciate its vast scale. Awesome indeed! The walk concludes at Versailles Chantiers RER.

Getting there:
Leave:10:09 Gare Montparnasse (direction Chartres): Zone 4  N.B.
Arrive: 10:23 Versailles Chantiers. Change trains.

Leave: 10:44 Versailles Chantiers (VICK direction Versailles Rive Gauche) This is the RER C.
Arrive: 10:50 Jouy-en-Josas.

 

N.B. You can also reach Versailles Chantiers by the RER C or the SNCF U line, La Defense/La Verrière.

Return:
Saint-Cyr => Versailles Chantiers => Gare Montparnasse: trains leave every '11, '29, '41, '53 mins.
Versailles Chantiers => Gare Montparnasse: trains leave every '01, '16, '38, '49 mins.

Comme d'habitude we hope for good walking weather but, comme d'habitude, please come suitably prepared not forgetting to pack that most important ingredient - your good humour!!

Best regards,

Stuart

mobile: 06 19 85 25 56

Mr Blériot's flying machine