Wednesday 19 January to the mouth of the Bièvre

An idyllic scene on the banks of the Bièvre in Paris

Dear Hikers,

This Wednesday, January 19, we will avoid the muddy conditions out in the country by hiking in the city. Our itinerary will take us along the fourth and final section the Bièvre River trail, about 12 km., from Arcueil/Cachan through Gentilly, into Paris 13th at the Poterne des Peupliers, following its curving path to the Gare d’Austerlitz where it flows into the Seine. This hike should take about 4 hours, maybe more, depending on the number of stops we make along the way. The river will be underground for the whole itinerary with concrete slabs indicating its path in certain places in the suburbs.  In Paris, there are a few markers but we will definitely need an eagle eye to find them and our imaginations to visualize the river and the industries along its banks before it was canalized and covered between 1864 and 1912.

Getting there:  We will meet at the RER B Arcueil/Cachan station at 10:00.  Take the RER B, train Krol, direction Massy Palaiseau, which leaves Chatelet les Halles at 9:44; St Michel - Notre Dame at 9:46; and Denfert Rochereau at 9:52.

Return:  From the Gare d’Austerlitz. There are several places along the way where it will be possible to leave the group early.

Bring the usual picnic lunch and rain/snow gear.  If we have torrential rain or a blizzard, there are cafés in the 13^th where we could stop for lunch.

See you on Wednesday!

Mary Lynne

mlfich@yahoo.com   01 4741 98 20     06 70 88 18 59