26 February 2012

Wednesday 29 February, Abbey Road

Royaumont Abbey


This week, Daniel Perot will be our leader. Read on for his information and his wit.

Abbey Road
On Wednesday 29 February we will walk along the Abbey Road leading to l'Abbaye de Royaumont, located north of Paris in the Val-d'Oise. The highlight of the day will be the Cistercian abbey and its cloister, founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis (Louis IX), the largest in France. The abbey, built in 1228, was dissolved under the French Revolution and converted into a cotton mill. It is now a cultural foundation — not a branch of the famous Beatles' recording studios of Abbey Road in London.
Visit (not free) and picnic.
Some hikers are familiar with the abbey; they might prefer to have their picnics outside. Unfortunately, there is no bench.
For those interested in the visit, they will have three quarters of an hour. There are many benches inside, but picnicking is prohibited. Be discreet or have your snack while walking. Too bad; the medieval garden has been an ideal place for a picnic. I tried it.
Entrance fee: 6€ individual or 4.50€ for groups of at least 10 people for the cloister and refectory. The church has disappeared.

Getting There

We will take the train at the gare du Nord, level 0 (surface), suburban train LOMI, direction Luzarches, and get off at Seugy in zone 5. Departure 10.04, arrival 10.48. Meeting place at the gare du Nord: start of the platform, last carriage.

Important: get your round trip ticket to Seugy in your metro station. There's no ticket office at Seugy, only a credit card machine.

Return from Seugy probably 16.03, arriving Paris 16.47. The train after is at 16.55, arriving 17.35.

The walk is about 14 km long. We cross the village of Seugy. A path in the woods will take us through an often muddy underpass, but avoids the most dangerous stretch of Abbey Road. Please don't forget your good walking shoes. The road to the abbey is an impressive approach to the domain of Royaumont.

Return to Seugy via the peaceful village of Baillon. Bring the usual picnic lunch and adequate gear.

As an extra we will pause at the café "le Rendez-vous des Chasseurs". Sure, you will be conspicuous if you step inside. Here you are in "la France profonde".

Looking forward to seeing you.

Daniel.

Pictures of Royaumont


If you wish to be informed of changes or cancellations, please give Daniel your cell phone if you have one, home phone if not.
09 50 56 65 26
01 45 90 65 26

Mobile (only the day of the walk) 06 99 20 70 79
Email daniel.perot@free.fr

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