Wednesday 13 March at UNESCO, hold the Yvelines!

The Orsay rhinoceros

This Wednesday you will have a tough decision to make, between a hike in the countryside of the Yvelines or a visit to UNESCO in Paris.

Here is Marcel's information about the UNESCO visit:

This Wednesday 13 March, hikers will be able to visit the buildings and grounds of UNESCO, with its Japanese garden, its recent Meditation Space, its works of art. Our guide will also tell us — in French — about this UN organization and its work.

We will be expected at the place Fontenay at 13.45. Before that, we'll have a stroll along and near the quais. If you like, you can join us for lunch, probably at the Café du Commerce, a traditional brasserie.

We meet at 10.15 at the RER C station Musée d'Orsay, on the plaza next to the rhinoceros.

Le mercredi 13 mars, le groupe des" promeneurs" aura l'occasion de visiter les bâtiments de l'UNESCO--avec son jardin japonais, son espace de méditation, ses oeuvres d'art, et le conférencier nous parlera aussi (en français) de cette Organisation en général.

Nous sommes attendus, place Fontenoy, à 13h45

Auparavant,nous ferons une balade sur les quais et ailleurs, et ceux qui le désireront pourront déjeuner avec le groupe (sans doute au "Café du Commerce",une brasserie à l'ancienne).

Le rendez-vous est à 10h15 à la station RER C Musée d'Orsay, sur la place, vers le rhinocéros.

Amicalement,

Marcel

01 46 26 45 14

Portable 06 88 55 64 02 on the day of the walk only

And.....

Latest news! The following walk is postponed to Wednesday 20 March!

Here are the details of Stuart's walk for 13 March:

A walk from the Old to the New: Neauphle-le-Château to Elancourt following the Elancourt stream

Distance: 19km
Terrain: several steepish climbs, a bit muddy in a few areas but nothing to worry about!

This week's walk takes us from the ancient village of Neauphle le Château to the new town of Elancourt created in the 1970s.

At Neauphle le Château we walk along the Grande Rue, the old road from Paris to Brittany, with its lovely old houses and then descend into the valley passing through the quaint stone villages of Pontchartrain and La Richarderie. We then follow the course of the Elancourt stream and several water-mills before ascending to a path in the woods which takes us to Elancourt.

I have found a lovely spot next to a small fishing lake for lunch where I can guarantee a seat for everyone. However, I estimate that we will reach here around 13.00 so if you feel that your stomach cannot last this long I suggest you pack a small pre-lunch!

At Elancourt we thread through the town along its series of lakes and woods. Our target is the 12th century Templar Commanderie with its magnificent church and surrounding park. Currently they are hosting an exhibition of contemporary art and design from the 1930's to recent times which is well worth visiting and it's gratuit! From here it is a short walk to La Verriere RER.

The weather forecast is for colder temperatures this week so please come suitably attired and, of course, bring your usual good humour and scintillating conversation! The attached photo goes with Stuart's walk.

Getting there:
9.58 Gare Montparnasse (DAPO direction Dreux)
10.31 Villiers Neauphle Pontchartrain (zone 5)
**I suggest we all meet in the last carriage**

Return:
La Verriere => Gare Montparnasse: each hour at '39
La Verriere => Versailles Chantier => Gare Montparnasse: each hour at '09

Best Regards,
Stuart
mobile: 06 19 85 25 56

The commanderie at Elancourt