Hike for December 17

Next Wednesday, Marcel Kohl will wrap up our 2014 walks with a hike along the Seine to the Bois de St. Cucufa, which many of you might not know, but which is a little gem of a forest where one can still spot the occasional deer. Here is Marcel's info:

Hello Everybody,

 

Mercredi prochain, 17 décembre, la randonnée sera sous le signe de Saint-Cucufa.

Nous partirons de la gare de Rueil-Malmaison; nous longerons la Seine, et monterons vers la forêt de la Malmaison, où nous pique-niquerons dans un kiosque protégé de la pluie, en face de l’étang de St Cucufa.

Nous reviendrons vers la gare de Rueil, en essayant de voir le château de Joséphine.

La balade sera à une allure tranquille, mais il y a quand même une quinzaine de kms à avaler, et une(seule) longue pente

Pour aller à la gare de Rueil, on peut prendre le RER A ZEBU, direction St Germain enLaye

Gare de Lyon: 9h58

La Défense : 10h12

RUEIL: 10H19  Sortie à l’avant, avenue de Colmar

 

That will be your last chance this year to walk and talk with this group.

 

Amicalement

 

Marcel

0781547519

Hike for December 10

Bonjour à TOUS,

Mercredi, le 10 décembre 2014, nous marcherons

(environ 4 km / heure) dans les Jardins et le Grand Parc 

du Château de Versailles.

Le parcours proposé sera environ 15 km, autrement dit 4 heures.

Le pic-nique aura lieu dans le beau restaurent "La Flottille"

au bord du Grand Canal du Parc (j'ai demandé une autorisation).

Aller:

A la gare Paris-Montparnasse prendre le train DAPO

direction Dreux à 9:58 et descendre à Versailles-Chantiers

(arrivée à 10:10).

Je vous attendrai à la gare Versailles-Chantiers.

Retour:

De Versailles il y a un grand nombre de trains pour Paris.

Nous aurons besoin des habits chauds et une protection contre

la pluie (?), de l'eau à boire et un pic-nique.

Dans l'attente de vous voir mercredi prochain,

Krystyna 

06 03 53 41 66

two hikes for December 3

We are lucky to have two options for next Wednesday, with our two Daniels.

1.) 19 km with Daniel Robinot and 2.) 10 km with Daniel Perot.

1.) This week, I propose to you a walk between forest, charming villages and countryside near Mantes la Jolie. The distance will be around 19 km BUT, not very easy, ascents and descents permanently, 500m of elevation and sometimes slippery.
Bad news : no bail out possible and picnic "on the grass" (no nice place, sorry). Good news : there is a "bistrot" at the arrival !

So, you are stong and courageous, as I count on you and your usual good humor.

Getting there :

Start from Paris St Lazare at 9h07 (direct train via Poissy), arriving at Mantes la Jolie at 9h41
Leave the station on the side of Mantes la Ville and take the bus,  LINE K, which leaves at 9:46 on quai 22. You will need to do this quickly! 

Get off the bus at the stop BUCHELAY - MAIRIE where I will meet you at 10:01.
Tickets accepted ... All (Mobilis, Navigo subway ticket or sales unit).

The return to Paris will be on a direct train from Mantes la Jolie at 16:08, after the beer of course   ;-)

As usual, you will need a picnic lunch, water, or substitute and sturdy shoes.

See you soon.
Daniel
06.10.85.47.67

=====================================================

2.)  

Program for our walk on December 3rd
Hikers, walkers and strollers are welcome.
----
Come join us for a 10-kilometer walk that will take us to 3 lakes in
the Bois de Vincennes, with a stop for lunch in an
old cartridge factory which now houses several theaters.
----
You will need a picnic, and water -- taken in moderation it
doesn't hurt anybody.
----
Your equipment: good clothes, good shoes; rain gear: maybe yes, maybe no.
The walk will be led by Daniel Pérot.
----
Meeting - 10:00 am at square des Combattants-d'Indochine at the
foot of the golden statue, métro Porte-Dorée (line 8). Sortie Parc zoologique.
We will be returning by métro Château-de-Vincennes or RER A Vincennes (zone 2).
------
You can bring your good humour ;  if not... chocolate, cake, sweets, coffee,
pets, girl/boy friend, backpack, cigarettes, flask of whisky or plum brandy are appreciated.
------
daniel.perot@free.fr
Landline  09 50 56 65 26.
Mobile (only the day of the walk) 06 51 22 35 16.

Hike for November 26

This week Judy Choat will lead us on a 22 km walk from Coignieres to Villepreux with an option to bail out at Neauphle le Chateau after 16 km although you would have to find your own way to the station ( 2.5km on a GR and I would provide a map ). The way is a little hilly but nothing steep or difficult. 

Lunch will be late so we will have a few minutes snack stop, after 8km, at the pretty lake on the outskirts of Maurepas .

In the afternoon for those brave enough to do the long walk ( you can do it!) we will go through the grounds of the Chateau at Plaisir (where our Thespian friend Krystyna has been known to perform with her local amateur dramatic group ) and then through the Foret de Bois D'Arcy and the Parc de Diane, with its ancient plane tree planted by Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri 11.

Hopefully the mud will not be too disgusting but it is November so choose your footwear wisely ! Bring warm and waterproof spare clothes, water, lunch and a snack .

All are welcome - faster walkers , mushroom collectors , tree photographers, fruit and foliage gatherers , but most especially those who are tolerant of other people's foibles and understanding of other people's needs !!

TRAVEL

Judy will be driving so she will meet you at Coignieres. 

Take train REPU direction Rambouillet from the Gare Montparnasse at 8.54 as far as Coignieres arriving 9.41 . People seeking good conversation sit in the rear carriage !!

RETURN

For those doing the shorter walk return trains from Neauphle le Chateau to Montparnasse are hourly at 29 minutes past the hour arriving at 02 minutes past the hour

For those doing the longer walk, return trains from Villepreux/les Clayes to Montparnasse are half hourly at 02 and 32 minutes past the hour and I would imagine the most likely train would be either the 16.02 arriving 16.37 or the 16.32 arriving at 17.07

All these stations are in zone 5 so you may wish to consider a Mobilis ticket

Hope to see you Wednesday.

Judy

Landline    01 30 80 01 34

Mobile      06 79 48 38 81

Hike for November 19

This Wednesday we will walk 17 km with Claude Faure in the Foret de St. Germain which is easily accessible by the RER A. Many trees still have their lovely autumn leaves which will be a real treat for our eyes. Be sure to take the branch of RER A, direction Poissy. The walk will start and end at the station Acheres-Grand Cormier. Claude will meet the group at the station. Most of the terrain is flat but the pace will be brisk. Here is Claude's information. You need to have your own individual insurance.

Pour la randonnée de mercredi 19, je propose un parcours d'automne dans le nord de la forêt de Saint-Germain avec pique-nique à l'étang du Corra. Le parcours de 17 km est sans difficulté particulière, mais l'allure sera soutenue.

Départ : RER A Châtelet-les-Halles à 9h 27 (Auber 9h 29, La Défense 9h 37) TEDI direction Poissy arrivée à Achères-Grand Cormier à 9h 53 où je vous attendrai.

Retour : RER A Achères-Grand Cormier toutes les 20 mn et toutes les 10 mn à partir de 16 h

Vêtements appropriés, bonnes chaussures et pique-nique sont de rigueur et je vous fais confiance pour la bonne humeur.

Tout randonneur doit avoir sa propre assurance personnelle.

A mercredi! 

Claude FAURE

November 5 hike

This coming Wednesday, we will walk 16 km with Daniel Perot from Moret-sur-Loing to  Montigny-sur-Loing in the department of the Seine et Marne. Daniel will lead is through the charming and historic town of Moret-sur-Loing (with some comments, ) where the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley spent the last years of his life. Then we will then head out of town along the Loing River to the Plaine de Sorques. The river is very clear and you can see fish all along, and a little further look at the birds from an observatory. (Bring binoculars) The hike will end in Montigny-sur-Loing where we will catch the train back to Paris.

 

We will have an early lunch around 11:30 in Moret as there are very few benches along the river and there may be mud. The weather forecast predicts rain so come equipped.

Each hiker needs to have personal accident and liability insurance. 

Travel information:

Depart: Gare de Lyon,  9:19, direction Montargis. Arrivée: Morêt/Veneux-les-Sablons 10:05. Zone 5.

Return: We will catch the train at 16:45 at Montigny sur Loing, arriving in Paris at 17:41

-----------------------------------------------------------

Some web sites to peruse before Wednesday:

Le site ci-dessous mérite d'être signalé, c'est un véritable audio-guide. 

http://www.msl-tourisme.fr/index.php/francais/les-22-communes/moret-sur-loing.html. rubrique "A voir, à faire".

Photos Morêt-sur-Loing.

https://www.google.com/search?q=moret+sur+loing&client=iceweasel-a&rls=org.mozilla:fr:unofficial&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source =univ&sa=X&ei=X8dQVISIC8PbaM7rgOAE&ved=0CB4QsAQ&biw=1918&bih=783

Alfred Sisley at Moret: 

https://www.google.fr/search?q=sisley+et+moret+sur+loing&client=safari&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=QBBSVLPkDtbuaIjRgrgN&ved=0CC4Q7Ak&biw=1024&bih=672

And for the Plaine de Sorques:

 http://old.seine-et-marne.fr/library/ENS-sorques_bat

All the best,
Daniel

daniel.perot@free.fr
Tél. 09 50 56 65 26
Mobile (only the day of the walk)  06 51 22 35 16.

Hikes for October 22 and 29

This announcement contains information for the hikes for the next TWO Wednesdays, with Daniel Robinot on Oct. 22, and Judy Choat on Oct. 29. The good news is that there will also be a short hikes on both days led by Dominique Raveau. Good luck getting to the right station on the right day!

All hikers need personal accident and liability insurance.

October 22: First, info for the short hike, then the longer one.

​Hello walkers,

​

We will do a leisurely walk of about 8 km in the department of Hauts-de-Seine, partly on the Coulée Verte and on the unusual paths through the Parc de Sceaux.

To get there:

Take the RER B train SORI from Châtnelet Les Halles at 9:47, direction Robinson. Get off at Fontenay aux Roses (zone 3) at 10:11 then take the exit rue Félix-Pécaut where I will be waiting. 

Return from the station Parc de Sceaux (zone 3) the same line RER B, frequents trains to Paris

My mobile: 06 33 23 07 31

A mercredi.

Dominique

Now the longer one on October 22.

Here are the travel directions for Daniel's hike next Wednesday near Mantes in the lovely valley of the Vaucouleur.  Getting to the rendez-vous spot will require taking a bus from the Mantes le Jolie train station. Take the 9:07 train direct from the Gare St. Lazare to Mantes la Jolie, arriving at 9:41. Leave the station on the side of Mantes la Ville and take the bus,  LINE K, which leaves at 9:46 on quai 22. You will need to do this quickly! 

Get off the bus at the stop MAGNANVILLE-GRAVIERS where Daniel will meet you at 9:53. If by any chance you miss the stop, get off at the next stop and call Daniel.

The return to Paris will be on a direct train from Mantes la Jolie at 16:08, if all goes well!

As usual, you will need a picnic lunch, water, or substitute and sturdy shoes.

Here is the info in French:

Malgré les apparences, il reste de beaux jours. Je vous propose une randonnée dans la campagne Mantaise qui nous fera passer par les petits villages de Vert, Villette et Soindres en suivant plus ou moins la Vaucouleur, petite rivière locale.

Ce parcours de 18/19 Km environ ne présente pas de difficulté, une seule montée un peu plus raide. 

Le rendez-vous va être un peu plus compliqué que d'habitude. Pour se retrouver :

Train direct de Paris-Saint Lazare pour Mantes la Jolie à 9h07  Arrivée à Mantes à 9h41
Ensuite, sortir côté Mantes la Ville et prendre le bus ligne K qui part à 9h46 quai 22 (ne traînez pas pour sortir de la gare)
Descendre à l'arrêt "Magnanville-Graviers" où je vous attendrai à 9h53. Si vous ratez l'arrêt, descendez au suivant.

Titres de transport acceptés ... tous (Mobilis, Navigo, ticket de métro ou vente à l'unité).

Retour par bus pour la gare de Mantes et train direct pour Paris à 16h08 si tout va bien :-))

Les chemins commencent à être humides et gras, prenez des chaussures adaptées et comme d'habitude, picnic, boisson réconfortante et bonne humeur.

A bientôt.

Daniel
06.10.85.47.67

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October 29 hikes:

The shorter one:

Hello walkers, 

I propose another short leisurely walk for next Wednesday. We will stroll through the parks of Chatenay-Malabry (Arboretum where we'll admire trees, Vallée aux Loups where we'll have a picnic and Parc de la Maison de Chateaubriand where we'll stop to have a cup of coffee or some patisserie in its Salon de thé). 

To get there: 

From CHATELET LES HALLES take RER B (train SORI) at 09:32, direction ROBINSON The same train leaves from DENFERT-ROCHEREAU at 09:40. Arrival at ROBINSON at 09:58

At the Gare de Robinson walk to the head of the train then to the right and take the exit Av.Jules Guesde. The meeting place-on the top of the stairs. Return from ROBINSON - trains every 15 minutes. Zone 3

See you on Wednesday.
Dominique
mobile : 06 33 23 07 31

Now the info for the longer hike on October 29:

Dear All,

A very pretty walk of around 20km from Epernon to Rambouillet passing through several delightful villages along the little River Drouet . There is one longish flight of steps and a few hills but nothing frightening  , lunch will be by the pond in St . Hilarion where there are seats .We will finish by walking through the Jardin Anglais in the grounds of the Chateau at Rambouillet

After 18km or so we will pass close to the station of Gazeran but trains that stop there are as rare as hen's teeth so this is not really a viable bailout option .

TRAVEL

I WILL JOIN THE TRAIN AT RAMBOUILLET

Take train 16757 from Montparnasse direction Le Mans at 9.06 as far as Epernon arriving at 9.50 . This train calls at Versailles Chantiers at 9.22 and Rambouillet at 9.43 if either of these two options are easier for you.

Return express trains are hourly but there are stopping trains in between . Probable fast train would be the 16.16, arriving in Paris at 16.50.

Travel together in the last carriage if you wish.

NOTE RAMBOUILLET IS IN ZONE 5 BUT EPERNON IS OUTSIDE OF ZONE 5 SO YOU WILL NEED ONE TICKET FROM THE GREEN MACHINE AND ONE FROM THE YELLOW MACHINE ! LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR SUCH COMPLICATIONS !

You will need a picnic , water , raingear , warm clothing , and good strong footwear . Remember it will almost certainly be muddy

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday

Judy

Landline    01 30 80 01 34

Mobile      06 79 48 38 81

Hike for October 15, 2014

Next Wednesday Domi & Philippe Raveau will lead a 14 km hike through woods and fields with three climbs and one long descent. It will be a loop starting and ending in Lardy, a small town situated in the department of the Essonne.

We will begin by visiting the old town lying on the river Juine and its park of de l'Hôtel de Ville with beautiful trees. Then we will pass the Juine on the site of an old mill and will do a short and steep climb through the Forêt de Janville which will remind you of the Fontainebleau Forest. On our way we will see a very old dolmen http://fr.topic-topos.com/dolmen-janville-sur-juine

After about 9 km we will have a picnic in a perfect picnic spot - the park of the the 17th century Chateau de Chamarande. A bail out is possible from the Gare de Chamarande RER C, zone 5.

http://www.jardins-chateaux-paris.com/garden/chateaux/chamarande.html

There we can stroll through two exhibitions : a contemporary art exhibition Vivre(s) and a small archives displayhttp://centenaire.org/fr/en-france/ile-de-france/essonne/lexposition-14-18-si-loin-si-proche - free entry

You will need sturdy walking shoes and walking sticks. Don't forget to bring some snack since a picnic will be rather late.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: 

Take the RER C ELBA Direction St Martin d'Etampes 

Departure from St Michel Notre Dame at 8:58 (be there earlier)

Arrival at Lardy at 9:46. We will meet in front of the Gare de Lardy, zone 5.

Return from Lardy every half hour, for instance, at 15:42; 16:12; 16:42

Remember, you need personal accident and liability insurance to join our walks.

Let's hope for a sunny day.
See you on Wednesday

Here is a proposal from Marcel Kohl for a cultural walk in the Latin Quarter of Paris on Monday, October 13.

 

Je vous propose une dernière sortie à Paris guidée par Serge Léger. Nous visiterons”SAINT GERMAIN et le QUARTIER LATIN”(avec les cafés littéraires,la place Furstenberg, l’enceinte de Philippe Auguste dans un parking, le BE BOP à Saint Germain,le plus vieux café de paris,la cour Saint André des Arts,les thermes de Cluny et le musée du Moyen Age,Monsieur Montaigne nous porte chance,le Collège de France,le lycée Louis Le Grand,le Port du Salut,le Collège Irlandais)

 

Le rendez-vous est le lundi 13 octobre à 9h30 ,devant la brasserie Lipp

151 Bd ST Germain

Metro Saint  Germain des Prés

 

Serge Leger est un fin connaisseur de l’histoire de Paris,et il est passionné par son sujet.

 

Vous serez tous bienvenus

Amicalement

 

Marcel Kohl

 

PS: Serge Leger demande 3 euros par personne pour ses frais

This week we will hike 15/16 km. in and around round the charming town of Montfort l'Amaury which is situated at the edge of the Rambouillet Forest. Mary Lynne will be our leader. After a two kilometer walk from the train station to the village of Montfort l'Amaury we will take a quick look around before heading out of town to walk in the Rambouillet Forest where we will have our picnic lunch. On our way back to the train, (same station), we will be able to explore the town where there are several noteworthy sites to visit: the ruins of the chateau of Anne de Bretagne, the church and its unusual cemetery, and Maurice Ravel's house. 

People who would rather visit the town than hike in the forest could remain in town and make their own way back to the station. Return trains: one train every hour at 25 minutes after the hour.

Travel information: 

Departure Paris-Montparnasse at 8h58 (train DAPO) direction Dreux   (Meet at the end of the quay to board the last car going out.) This train stops at Versailles Chantiers at 9:11 where Mary Lynne will board the train.

Arrival gare  "Montfort l'Amaury-Méré" at 9h36. 

Return: We will aim for the 16h25 which will arrive in Paris at 17h02. We don't have much leeway with the train as they are only every hour.

You will need a picnic lunch, liquids and appropriate clothing for the season, keeping in mind that the gorgeous weather we have been enjoying might be coming to an end. Alas!

Remember, you need your own personal liability and accident insurance for all our walks.

See you on Wednesday!

Mary Lynne

mlfich@yahoo.com

0146419041

0670881859

Hike for October 1

Hello Walkers,

Daniel Perot will lead our first October walk in one of the loveliest spots to
the east of Paris in the valley of the Grand Morin. We've had fabulous weather and walks in September. 

October will be even lovelier with the arrival of autumn colours. Notice in Daniel's information below that 

there is a train change at Esbly, but it istotally easy as the departure of the Crecy train is synchronised with the one from Gare de L'Est.>

----
Here is Daniel's information.
----
> On Wednesday October, 1st, our walk will start at Crécy-la-Chapelle,
> *la Venise briarde,*. e.g. the region "la Brie", its river "le Grand
Morin" and lovely brooks.
----
>   * We will go, by train, from Gare-de-l'Est, in Paris, to the station of
> Crécy-la-Chapelle/Crécy-en-Brie. (Zone 5)

.
>    1. Départure: Gare-de-l'Est  9:31. Direction: Meaux (train MICI).
Arrival: Esbly 10:02.
>    2. At Esbly, transfer to Crécy-la-Chapelle/Crécy-en-Brie 10:10. Arrival : 10:18.
----
Return from the same station.
14:37 arriving at 15:28.
15:37 arriving at 16:28.
----
We will cover 12 kilometers/3 hours or more (?). Change in altitude: 49 m/130 m.
----
Remember to bring along water and some lunch... and sunny automnal gear.
We will walk through fields, woods and rivers (only one hill).
Sure, you are ready for a lovely walk.
----
Daniel
09 50 56 65 26
Mobile (only the day of the walk)  06 51 22 35 16.

Attachments area

Preview attachment trompe loeil.jpg

Hike for September 24

Pour ce mercredi, Krystyna propose une rando dans la Vallée de Chevreuse, de la Verrière à Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, environ 20 km.

Le parcours est un peu sportif de par ses montées et descentes, dont certaines ont les pentes donnent jusqu'à des dénivelées 150 m.

Nous passerons près de l'Abbaye de Port-Royal-des-Champs,

du château de la Madeleine, et sur le chemin de Jean Racine.

  

Départ de la gare Paris-Montparnasse

à 08:54 en train "REPU" direction Rambouillet.

Arrivée à la gare de la Verrière à 09:37.

Retour se fera de la gare Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse

en RER B, 4 trains par heure.

Je vous joindrai à la gare de Versailles-Chantiers, dans le dernier wagon, comme d'habitude.

N'oubliez pas votre picnic et protection contre le soleil et la pluie. 

Chaque marcheur doit avoir son propre assurance (accident et responsibilite civile). 

Krystyna 

06 03 53 41 66

hike for September 17

This Wednesday, Laurence will lead us, by popular demand, in the Foret de Montmorency. Let's hope that we are treated to great September weather. In any case, come prepared for sun and rain. Here is her info.

Remember, for all our walks you need to have personal accident and liability insurance.

Hike for September 17 - Forêt de Montmorency-Ecouen

The hike will start from Taverny, about 14 or 16k. When we arrive in Ecouen at the end of the hike, you can walk straight to the train station or, if you wish, walk a little longer in the Forêt d’Ecouen to the Musée de la Renaissance and Saint Acceul church (16th c stained glass windows) nearby and back to the station through the woods. (If you’d like to stay to visit the museum: open until 5:45pm) Their website: http://www.musee-renaissance.fr

The forest of Montmorency is very nice but it has suffered some damage from storms, there is quite a bit of fallen trees and branches. You'll have to watch your step at times. There will be a climb at the start up to the church and cemetery in Taverny and several ups & downs in the forest. Plan to wear good footwear in case there is some mud.

Provided the weather is nice, after lunch we could stop at a restaurant nearby, about 1k away, for a cup of coffee on the terrasse. To do that, we will have to maintain a good pace. Le Jardin in Domont: http://www.restaurantlejardin.fr/visite-du-restaurant.htm

GETTING THERE:

-Take train POVA from Gare du Nord direction Persan Beaumont at 9.00 arriving in Taverny at 9.31, Zone 4.

I will meet you at Gare du Nord, we will sit in the last car as usual. 

Watch out: two trains may be attached in which case you may have to walk to the middle of the platform to sit in the last car of the first train, which stops in Taverny, look at the screens.

-Return trains from Ecouen-Ezanville every 15/20 minutes; 20-25min to Paris.

Tickets 4.20€ each way.

See you there!

Laurence

September 10 Hike

Dear Hikers,

Daniel Robinot, safely home from his trek in Nepal, will lead us next Wednesday on slightly flatter terrain, from Juziers to Mantes la Jolie in the Vexin. This will be a relatively long hike for idfwalkers, 23 km with 450 meters of altitude change. Some of the paths are muddy (are you surprised after this lovely summer?) so you will need hiking shoes and walking sticks might be helpful. You will need a picnic lunch and plenty of water as there it will not be possible to find any during the hike. Depending on the weather and the energy of the hikers, there is a possibility of shortening the itinerary by a few kilometres. 

Here is Daniel's information in more detail.

Après les vacances vous devez être en pleine forme, aussi je vous propose une longue randonnée dans le Vexin qui nous mènera de Juziers à Mantes la Jolie. 
Après les bois, la campagne avec la traversée des petits villages de Fontenay Saint Père et Follainville puis retour vers Mantes la Jolie en suivant les bords de Seine.
23 km minimum et 450 m de dénivelée sur des sentiers parfois boueux après le bel été que nous avons connu, aussi prévoir de bonnes chaussures, des bâtons de marche et de l'eau en quantité suffisante car il n'y a pas de possibilité d'en trouver sur le parcours.
Selon la météo et la forme, il y a une possibilité de raccourcir la randonnée de quelques kilomètres si besoin.
Et comme d'habitude, picnic, vêtements adaptés et bonne humeur !

Trajet : Départ de Paris Saint Lazare à 8h43, arrivée à Juziers à 9h43 (pas de trains directs)
             Attention à bien prendre la ligne Mantes via Conflans (et non pas Mantes via Poissy) !  Attention, make sure that you take your train on the line that goes to Mantes via Conflans and not via Poissy.

             Retour de Mantes la Jolie pour Paris St Lazare, trains directs à "08" toutes les heures (15h08, 16h08, ...)

Je vous retrouverai devant la gare de Juziers. J'arriverai par un train à 9h 39, merci de patienter si j'ai un peu de retard.

Daniel will meet us in front of the station in Juziers at 9:43. His train from Mantes (where he lives) should arrive at 9:39, so normally he should be waiting for us when we arrive.A bientôt.

Daniel
Tel. 06.10.85.47.67

L'homme sage est celui qui connait ses limites.

This week Jeanne Fontaine suggests an easy walk from the Gare de Rambouillet to the Gare du Perray-en-Yvelines, through la forêt de Rambouillet.

For those who did not walk during the summer, it will be a good way to get back in shape !

This hike, about 16km,  will lead us on nice paths and we will see 3 ponds (Etang d'Or,Etang de La tour and Etang du Perray). The latter was dug at the end of the 17th century on Louis XIV’s order to supply water to the fountains of the Château de Versailles park. We will follow the aqueduct of Vieille Eglise which carried water froml’Etang de La Tour to l’Etang du Perray.

We will take lunch at about 12h30 near the Etang de la Tour where we will be lucky to sit down at picnic tables. 

 Bring a picnic lunch, appropriate clothing, and good footwear.

Jeanne Fontaine (06 83 73 66 44)

 Travel information: ticket mobilis for Zone 5.

 -         Gare de Paris Montparnasse TER Train Grandes Lignes 16757,direction Le Mans, leaves at 9:06, to arrive at Rambouillet at 9:41.

-         Or, possibility to take the train at La Défense at 8:43 to arrive at 9:06 at VersaillesChantiers, where Jeanne will join the above train in direction of Le Mans, in the last carriage, at 9:20.

-         Return :  from Gare Le Perray- en -Yvelines :   the train leaves at  3:05 pm to arrive at Rambouillet at 3:12 pm.  We will change trains in  Rambouillet train station to catch the "express" train (stops only at Versailles Chantiers) to Paris Montparnasse  at 3.19 pm to arrive at 3.53 pm.  Worst case scenario, we could take a train at le Perray at 3.27 pm, arriving at Paris Montparnasse at 4.26 pm.

See you on Wednesday!

Hike for August 27

Next Wednesday, Michel Brown will lead us on an almost countryside like walk along the “Gondoire” and “Brosse” streams:

 

A 15 to 16 km walk will lead us from Lagny to Torcy.  From the Lagny-Thorigny train station we’ll cross the Marne river to walk east along the bourgeois mansions of Lagny.  After the harbor will leave the Marne to walk south, up the hill and through the woods of Chigny where Van Dongen resided a few years.  Once we reach the village of Chanteloup en Brie we’ll  take the valley of the Gondoire, a small stream, find a nice picnic spot on the stream and after lunch walk all the way to the village of Gouvernes and the Castle of Guermantès (I think Proust only used the name), we’ll take a quick look a the castle from the gate and walk down to the Brosse valley, another of these small streams that flow into the Marne.  To finish, from the Brosse valley up, we’ll cross the gardens of Rentilly, now a public garden and cultural space to get to the RER A station of Torcy close by.

 

To come, take the 9h30 train from Paris Gare de l’est station, “P” line going to Meaux.  Lagny-Thorigny is the third stop.  I’ll wait for you at the station at 10.  To return to Paris you’ll take the A RER line to where you want, trains every ten minutes and half an hour to Nation of Gare de Lyon.

 

My cell: 06.49.85.25.07

 

Michel

August 20 hike

Dear All (or at least all  who are left and are not off gallivanting somewhere more exotic than the Ile de France !)

This week's walk of 21km will start in Dourdan , although on this occasion we will not be going around the town but heading through the countryside past some pretty lakes towards the charming village of St Mesmes where we will make a short detour to see the outside of a manor house and an interesting fountain and then on to St Martin de Brethencourt where we will have lunch . There are some gentle undulations but no major hills. As this is a longish walk we will have a short pause mid afternoon so bring an extra snack in case you are feeling peckish ! Although the return to Dourdan goes past the station of Dourdan le Foret there will not be an option  to use it as there are no trains from there at present because of maintenance works but it is not far back to the main station of Dourdan . Unfortunately there are no other options for people who prefer a shorter walk.

Bring plenty of water , a picnic lunch , appropriate clothing (sun block and sun hat or rain gear or both ) and good footwear as after the recent rain it will probably be muddy in places .

TRAVEL 

Take RER C train DEBA direction Dourdan from Austerlitz at 8.47 or Bibliotheque at 8.50 as far as Dourdan (zone 5 ) which is the terminus . The arrival time is 9.50 . It is more friendly to travel in the rear carriage with everyone else but of course you may please yourself .

NOTE : IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO AUSTERLITZ IN ORDER TO CATCH THE TRAIN RER C IS NOT RUNNING BETWEEN INVALIDES AND AUSTERLITZ

Return trains are half hourly at 8 and 38 minutes past the hour . My best guess is that we would finish in time for the 4.08 but you never know you  may be super speedy or super slow !!

I WILL DRIVE SO WILL SEE YOU AT DOURDAN ON THE PLATFORM

Hope there are still a few of you left in Paris and if so see you Wednesday

Judy 

Landline    01 30 80 01 34

Mobile      06 79 48 38 81-- 

August 13 hike

Bonjour les amis marcheurs,

Cette semaine c'est Krystyna qui va nous guider. Voici ses informations. 

Bonjour à Tous,

Mercredi 13 août 2014 je vous propose un parcours 

mi-nature mi-culture (15 km) à proximité de Fontainebleau.

Au programme: 

forêt, bords de Seine, promenade-visite dans Thomery et 

la visite de Musée de l'atelier de Rosa Bonheur.

On this hike we will walk along the Seine, visit the village of Thomery and the museum and studio of Rosa Bonheur.

Pour mémoire, Rosa Bonheur (Marie-Rosalie Bonheur, 1822-1899) 

est une artiste peintre et sculptrice française de grand renom. 

Elle connut d'ailleurs un succès encore plus important en dehors 

de notre territoire et notamment aux Etats Unis.

Elles est présentée également comme une pionnière du féminisme.

Rosa Bonheur, (Marie-Rosalie Bonheur, 1822-1899) was a well-known painter and sculptress who was better known outside of France, especially in the USA. She is considered a pioneer of feminism. She fled the society life of Paris for

the tranquility of the Chateau of By in Thomery. We can visit the chateau and her studio for 3or 8 euros.

Pour fuir les mondanités parisiennes, elle se réfugie au Château de By (Thomery) 

dans cet atelier et cette demeure que nous pourrons visiter (3€ - 8€) 

et qui sont restés dans "leur jus" de l'époque.

Aller, to go:

A Paris Gare de LYON prendre le train "GAMU" à 09:19

direction MONTARGIS. Meet at the end of the quai to board the last car going out. 

There are two departure halls, 1 and 2. Watch the departure board to know from which one our train departs.

arrivée à THOMERY à 10:01.

Retour, return:

Gare de THOMERY, train "POMU" à 15:56 / 16h56 ... 

arrivée à Paris Gare de Lyon à 16:41 / 17:41 ...

Pour la balade, petit sac à dos pas trop lourd, chaussures adéquates, 

casse-croûte du midi, boisson en quantité suffisante et 

espérons, lunettes de soleil! :)

For this hike you will need good walking shoes, a picnic lunch, plenty of water (or other fluids), sunglasses, and rain protection just in case.

You need personal medical and liability insurance to join our hikes.

Amicalement,

Krystyna

06 03 53 41 66

August 6 hike

Next Wednesday, August 6, Michel Browne will lead our first August hike in what we hope will be lovely summer weather. Here is Michel's information:

Wednesday’s 18 km walk will take us from Lagny-sur-Marne to Esbly on river or canal banks (with no cars).

 

From the Lagny-Thorigny station, we’ll cross the river Marne and walk east along its left bank to reach the pretty lock of Chalifert.  Then, after a short climb to go over the hill we’ll follow the Chalifert to Meaux canal until we reach the Grand morin river.  After lunch we’ll continue on the same canal to an island between the canal and the Marne to get to Esbly and its station.

 

Meeting place: Lagny/Thorigny station, third stop on the P line from Paris-Gare de l’est to Meaux.  Take the 9h30 train from gare de l’est in Paris that arrives 25 minutes later.  I’ll meet you there around 10.  Return is on the same line from the Esbly station, trains every half hour to Paris.

 

My cell number:  06.49.85.25.07

Michel Browne

 If you have questions about this hike please call Michel at the above number. Please do not respond to idfwalks. Thanks to many positive responsesour calendar is complete for August and September 10. Happy trails to you.

July 30 hike

Dear Walkers,

Our hike for July 30 will be led by Dominique Raveau. Here is her information. I hope you appreciate the poem at the end. It would seem that Longfellow appreciated the Chevreuse Valley as much as we do today.

For next Wednesday I propose a 15 km walk in south of Paris, along the river Yvette and through Aigrefoin Wood. We will walk from Orsay-Ville University campus to Courcelle. In Gif-sur-Yvette we will pass by the tombstone of the artist Fernand Léger, one of the founders of Cubist painting.There's possibility to bail out in Gif before climbing the wood and having our picnic there. The walk along the river is on flat ground but we'll have short and rather steep climbing and descent.

To get there take RER B train PUKE from CHATELET LES HALLES at 9:02

Direction ST REMY LES CHEVREUSE, arrives in ORSAY-VILLE AT 9:51, zone 5.

I will get on the first car of the same train at Bourg la Reine.

Return will be from COURCELLE SUR YVETTE, zone 5, a train to Paris every 20 min on the same line.

Bring some snacks, bananas, picnic lunches and lots of water and don't forget your walking sticks.

See you on Wednesday

Dominique 

06 33 23 07 31

In the meantime I hope you will enjoy these 19th century verses:

To The River Yvette
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

O lovely river of Yvette!
O darling river! like a bride,
Some dimpled, bashful, fair Lisette,
Thou goest to wed the Orge's tide.

The valley of Chevreuse in vain
Would hold thee in its fond embrace;
Thou glidest from its arms again,
And hurriest on with swifter pace.

Thou wilt not stay; with restless feet,
Pursuing still thine onward flight,
Thou goest as one in haste to meet
Her sole desire, her heart's delight.

O lovely river of Yvette!
O darling stream! on balanced wings
The wood-birds sang the chansonnette
That here a wandering poet sings.

http://www.litscape.com/author/Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow/To_The_River_Yvette.html

July 23 hike

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Judy Choat will lead our hike next Wednesday, July 23.  Here is her information:

Dear Fellow Walkers , 

On we go ! This week's walk of 19 km  is mainly along the very pretty River Yerres (which we will cross several times sometimes on very old bridges ) passing through the Parc Caillebotte  where the Impressionist painter lived and painted some of his most well known pictures . We will also pass the Villa Falbala where we can peek through the fence and see the work of sculptor and visual artist Jean Dubuffet which you may or may not like but I am sure you will have an opinion! 

The walk is almost all completely flat but towards the end there are a couple of hills, one of which involves a fairly long flight of steps.

Don't forget it is supposed to be summer so if necessary bring sun block and a hat and plenty of water to drink . On the other hand if the water is forecast to come from the sky rather than your water bottle bring a waterproof jacket . Wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring a picnic lunch too

There are two options to leave the hike early :

1) After 8km (approx) at Brunoy which will be before lunch we will pass within 0.5km of the station - a map will be provided

2) After 12km ( approx ) at Boussy St Antoine after lunch we will pass within 0.75km of the station - a map will be provided

TRAVEL

Take RER D train ZACO direction Melun from Gare du Nord at 9.27 or Chatelet les Halles at 9.31 or Gare de Lyon 9.35 as far as Montgeron Crosne ( zone 4) arriving at 9.55 I will  join the train at Gare de Lyon . If you feel like good conversation and company you could travel in the rear carriage with everyone else. If you are feeling antisocial sit elsewhere!

Return trains run every 15 minutes or so from Combs La Ville Quincy (zone 5) . I imagine we will finish around 3.30 - 4.00 pm

See you Wednesday.

Judy

Landline    01 30 80 01 34

Mobile      06 79 48 38 81

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