Wednesday 13 October from Tavery to Meriel

The church at Taverny Taverny to Meriel via the Foret de Montmorency This week, Bob Levy will lead our hike in the Val D'Oise. For those who do the whole hike it is 15 km. but there are two "bailout" possibilites as described below. Here is Bob's  info.

For Wednesday I propose the following:

Meet at gare du Nord at 9:00 AM with tickets already purchased for the 9:13 SNCF train to Taverny (zone 4).  I think that the 4 letter designator is POVA. its final destination is Valmondois or Persan Beaumont (info on websites differs).

It is a 36 minute train trip to Taverny.

Hike from Taverny along the GR1 through the forêt de Montmorency. The beginning is a gentle uphill of 2 km. Following that it is level and downhill along the aptly named 'Route de Paradis'.  The IGN map number is 2313 OT.

Those who want the shortest hike (11 km) can leave the trail at Frepillon.  I will give them a map to the gare.  Trains from Frépillon are at 22 and 52 minutes past the hour and return to gare du Nord in 45 minutes.

Those who wish to leave at Méry sur Oise (12.5 km) will also receive a map to the gare de Méry.  Trains for Paris leave at 19 and 49 minutes after the hour. Again about 45 minutes to Paris.

Those who go all the way to Mériel (15 km) will be rewarded by a hike along the Oise as well as along the lakes of the parc de Méry.  Trains from Mériel leave at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour for a 50 minute ride to Paris. Walkers should not purchase round trip tickets in the morning.  Instead, purchase a return ticket at Frépillon, Méry, or Mériel (all in zone 5). There are parts of the walk - early sections in the forest of Montmorency - which are very muddy and require stepping over a number of fallen trees.  I will design a work-around / walk-around alternative which might add .5 km to the hike.

Due to the possibility that the train strike will continue past Tuesday, it is advisable that you let me know that you are coming and give me your cell so that I can inform you of a cancellation or change of train time.

Thanks and I'll see you on Wednesday!

levybob@sbcglobal.net Bob' cell number is 06 43 45 58 33 Barbara's number is 06 43 45 59 00