Reports on previous Preparatory Walks
Year 2023
December 17, 2023 Walk – Provins before the holidays
Led by Blandine – 18 km
For our last walk of the year, we set off towards Provins from the Longueville station. We pass through undergrowth and skirt the Voulzie, Sainte Colombe and fields.
Despite fog preventing us from admiring the Tour César and the collegiate church of Saint Quiriace in the distance, as well as a few muddy paths, we arrived in Provins in the middle of the day for a friendly picnic in a picnic area.
In the afternoon, we stroll through the medieval city, visiting the most interesting places and monuments between the upper and lower town.
November 19, 2023 Walk: Loop around Beyne
Led by Monique – 19 km
The heavy rain of the previous few days led us to fear the worst: hilly, muddy and slippery paths, but the fine sunshine and light breeze enabled the group to make their way in satisfactory conditions.
The loop from Beynes took us past the medieval château de Beynes, then along the Mauldre hillsides dotted with picturesque villages, taking in many panoramic views. As usual, the atmosphere was friendly, and the picnic near the Mareil sur Mauldre church was a convivial affair, ending with a “café gourmand” thanks to the treats brought along by regulars.
November 5, 2023 Walk: 7th stage of the Tour de l’Ile de France
Led by Patrick and Lydie – 20 km
For the 7th stage of the GR1, we set off from Presles-Courcelles to walk through the Carnelle forest.
A short break near the Pierre Turquaise (dolmen dating from 2000 BC). Then a wash-house was a welcome spot for our lunch break.
We continued through countryside and small woods to arrive in the beautiful town of Luzarches and its 12th-century church of St Côme.
Marche du 8 Octobre 2023: in the Yvette valley from Palaiseau to Saint Remy les Chevreuse
Led by Blandine – 20 km
This 20 km route starts with a beautiful climb over the Palaiseau plateau.
We cross some woods and take a short break near some beautiful climbing rocks.
The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining all day long.
After a descent along the banks of the Yvette, we follow the GR655 through beautiful parks and gardens to Saint Remy les Chevreuse, where we take the RER.
Walk on September 24, 2023: The banks of the Marne between Noisiel and Champ sur Marne.
Hosted by Blandine.
18 km loop around Noisiel station.
Initially scheduled for Dourdan, we had to find a plan B for today’s march, as the RER C to get there was cut off between Paris and Juvisy.
We began our walk by crossing the Seine between Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon, where we took the RER A to Noisiel. From there we headed for the Parc de Noisiel, where we took the path around the old chocolate factory and back to the Parc de Noisiel.
Crossing the footbridge to the other bank of the Marne. Picnic at a very pleasant spot on the banks of the Marne. We continued along the Marne in the early afternoon. We then took a stroll through the park at Champs sur Marne before catching the RER A at Noisiel.
Despite this change of program, everyone was delighted with the day’s superb sunny weather.
September 10, 2023 Walk: L’Isle – Adam, Saint – Martin- du- Tertre
Walk organized by Lydie and Patrick.
20 km de L’Isle – Adam, Saint – Martin- du- Tertre
17 people set off from the Isle Adam station. Despite the heat, the walk along the banks of the Oise and through the forest of Isle Adam was pleasant and shady for most of the way.
After a picnic and a walk through Nerville la Forêt, the group decided to stop walking after 14 km – the heat was becoming unbearable – and took the train to Presles.
Beforehand, one person asked the baker for water, and the baker provided slices of flan and fresh water for the whole group. Many thanks to this generous person.
Before parting, the group shared a glass of friendship at the Gare du Nord station.
Walk on September 3, 2023: Les Vaux de Cernay.
Hosted by Blandine
23 km from Coignières to Le Perray en Yvelines
On a sunny Sunday, we set off from Coignières station along the GR11, which takes us past such beautiful spots as the Eglise Saint Nom and the Maincourt sur Yvette discovery trail. We then climb up to the hamlet of Fourcherolles.
Then lunch on a beautiful site surrounded by rocky outcrops and lush vegetation. We then descend to the Vaux de Cernay abbey, skirting the Vaux de Cernay for several kilometers before arriving at Auffargis.
We then take the GR1C to Le Perray en Yvelines station.
Fortunately, the course was shaded for most of the way, so we were able to cope better with the heat.
August 6, 2023 Walk: The Oise Valley of the landscape painters
Hosted by Lydie and Patrick
18 km – Between Pontoise and L’Isle Adam
16 of us, including 3 new walkers, enjoyed a sunny stroll along sunflower-fringed paths between Pontoise and L’Isle-Adam, passing through Auvers sur Oise, immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh.
We had a picnic at the château and returned by bus from L’Isle-Adam to Ermont – Eaubonne, then by RER.
Marche du 9 juillet 2023: Walk in the forest of Rambouillet
Hosted by Blandine
19 km – from Perray en Yvelines to Rambouillet.
We set off from Le Perray station in thundery rain, but morning rain doesn’t stop pilgrims…
Which turned out to be a good idea, because after a few showers in the morning, we enjoyed a sunny afternoon.
After walking along the Aqueduc de Vieille Eglise canal, we picnic in the sunshine by the Etang de la Tour.
We walk through the forest in the afternoon before reaching Rambouillet station.
Marche du 2 juillet 2023: De Us en Vexin à Pontoise – 19 km
Hosted by Patrick
We set off from Us en Vexin to join a PR. We cross some lovely wooded areas and a pretty river keeps us company for a while.
After a lunch break in the forest, rounded off as usual by Michel’s “Mirabelle”, we headed off to Grouchy Park, home to a château, Osny town hall and its fabulous anecdote about Picasso’s sculpture.
We arrive in Pontoise and visit the church with its magnificent stained-glass windows. After a convivial “pot” in a brasserie, we head back to the station for the return journey to Paris.
Marche du 18 juin 2023: “Marche entre champs et bords de l’eau” – 20 km
Led by Blandine. 20 km between Etampes and Chalo Saint Mars.
From the Saint Martin d’Etampes train station, we take the GR path past the church with its beautiful leaning tower. A short climb up to the plateau, then down along the Louette. After another climb along the edge of the fields, we take a picnic break in the shade of a large cypress tree of respectable age.
Then, after a descent, we come back to the Louette, which we follow along an old railway line. We then climb up to the beautiful Tronchet manor house and its cute little chapel, before descending to Chalo St Mars where, after a refreshment stop, we visit the village church.
Back in the direction of Etampes, skirting fields and descending to the Chalouette, which we follow until we reach Etampes.
We end this pleasant day with a drink on the terrace overlooking St Martin’s church.
Spared from the rain throughout the day, the return journey by RER was long and difficult, as a violent thunderstorm caused a tree to fall onto the tracks and our arrival was late. This inconvenience did not detract from the good memories of this beautiful day.
June 4, 2023: Walk from Vaux sur Seine to Us en Vexin – 19 km
Led by Patrick – 19 km
19 of us set off on this 4th stage of the Tour de Paris on the GR1.
From the Vaux sur Seine station, after a short climb up to the plateau, we arrive in the village of Evecquement and pass the mid-13th century church of ND de l’Assomption.
We continue on our way to the 17th-century Château de Villette, hidden behind a thick hedge.
After a picnic in a shaded area, topped off with Michel’s mirabelle plum, we set off again through fields and woods, arriving at the Château de Vigny, built between 1504 and 1880
Finally, we reached Us, the end of our stage for the day.
It was with joy and good humour, after a shared drink, that everyone went home.
May 28, 2023 Walk: Woods and forests around Royaumont Abbey
Led by Blandine – 22 km
The return of the sun motivated a good number of walkers – 31 of us on Sunday.
Arriving at Viarmes station, we take the GR655, which takes us along country paths with beautiful spring vegetation. We cross Seugy and then pass through the Beauvillier woods, accompanied by beautiful birdsong.
We arrive at an equestrian center, then after the Moulin de Giez we continue on a good climb. At the top, we look out over a beautiful wheat field with the Viarmes valley in the distance. After following this path, we arrive at Royaumont Abbey.
It’s past noon and, after a morning’s walk, we’re starting to feel hungry. We take the allée de la reine Hortense, which leads us to a bucolic riverside meadow, an ideal spot for a picnic for more than 30 people.
We set off again, passing through the hamlet of Baillon and skirting the Ysieux river, where we meet an adorable family of swans, the two parents with their 5 young. Leaving the hamlet, we enter the Bonnet woods and follow a magnificent path along a river. We walk up a lane and then through the forest to the descent to the Moulin de Bertinval. At
After Chaumontel, passing a riding school and crossing the Bois de la Noue, we descend to Luzarches, where we catch the train back.
A beautiful sunny day which delighted us all.
Marche du 7 Mai 2023: From Villennes sur Seine to Vaux sur Seine
Led by Patrick – 20 km
We were 17 people, including 3 newcomers. In rainy weather, we started with a long climb of 2 kilometers, to reach the plateau, and cross small woods to arrive in Vernouillet. We were unable to enter the church because of the service. We had a picnic on the church square before heading back towards the Gallardon ponds, then the Pont aux Chèvres (goat bridge), which in the 13th century was a paying passage. After crossing the Seine, we visited the church of Saint Martin in Triel sur Seine. Setting off again in the rain, we tackled the second major climb of the day before emerging onto the plateau to arrive in Vaux sur Seine.
Marche du 23 Avril 2023: From Saint-Chéron to Chamarande
Hosted by Pierre
The little troupe set off under grey skies that showed fine raindrops. Ponchos are the order of the day, because “morning rain doesn’t stop pilgrims”.
On a path through quiet undergrowth, we head towards Saint-Yon, passing through vast agricultural areas dominated by rapeseed cultivation. Shortly before Saint-Yon, a few of us decided to drop our ponchos, as the expected heavy rain soon stopped. We enter a wood and walk alongside the Château de Segrez estate, whose garden is home to some remarkable trees in a well-kept property. Along the way, we come across several groups of hikers who, like us, are enjoying these beautiful Hurepoix landscapes. Among other things, this woodland is strewn with hyacinths, which in some places seem to carpet the ground. It makes quite an impression.
Arriving at Saint-Sulpice de Favières, a small village on our route, Sunday mass is not yet over. We take advantage of this to find a place to have a bite to eat after having scheduled a visit to the church. The nave of the church is quite large, high-ceilinged, with large stained-glass windows that let in plenty of light. It includes the Chapel of Miracles, the oldest part with detailed documentation. After eating our lunch break snack, we set off again in windy conditions that smack of thunderstorms.
Immediately after the first gradient change, we pause for a breathless moment, allowing us to look down on the church’s considerable size for this small village. We note that this is also a stage on the Camino de Compostela, the GR 655-Est, well-marked by the FFRP. Before Torfou, we make our second big ascent of the day. The wind has practically died down, the sky is showing blue streaks and every now and then, a fleeting ray of sunshine lifts the mood in the group’s good-natured atmosphere.
Arrival at Chamarande is trouble-free. We pick up the RER, which was running normally that day.
Marche du 9 Avril 2023: From St Nom La Bretèche to Villennes sur Seine
Led by Patrick – 20 km
We were 20 participants and were delighted to welcome 3 new walkers on this sunny day. We set off from St-Nom-La-Breteche for a 22 km walk through the Marly state forest. It was a pleasure to see the vegetation coming back to life. We passed through the villages of Feucheroles and Sainte Gemme. The picnic was cheerful, as usual, and included gourmet coffee shared by all, topped off with chocolate Easter eggs. We continued walking towards Orgeval, where we admired a beautiful statue of Jesus seated with the crown of thorns and his hands tied in the Orgeval church. The walk ended in Villennes sur Seine, where we took a short detour to avoid descending a steep flight of stairs before arriving at the station.
March 26, 2023 Walk: Forest route from St Germain de Poissy to Maisons Lafitte
Led by Blandine – 22 km
Departing from Poissy station, and after a visit to the Collégiale Notre dame de Poissy, Blandine led us into the forest of Saint Germain, guiding us to the remains of the Chinese Wall and then on to the mare aux Canes. After crossing the Achères train station, we returned to the northern part of the forest.
Contrary to what the weather forecast had predicted, we were spared the rain, and the sun even shone for most of the afternoon. The atmosphere was as friendly and good-humored as ever.
Marche du 12 Mars 2023: Circuit en Fin d’Oise
Led by Albert Echilley – 19 km
Albert, back for a few days from his distant Dordogne, took us to Maurecourt along the banks of the Oise, then into the wooded Hautin massif, via Jouy-le-Moutier. After a picnic and the ritual “café très gourmand”, thanks to sweets brought by participants, we descended from the heights to the banks of the Seine through the narrow streets of Andrésy, which we followed to the confluence with the Oise. The atmosphere was friendly, the weather spring-like, and to round things off, we shared a drink in the café near the return station.
February 26, 2023 march: between new town and country leisure
Led by Monique – about 22 km
Just off the RER at Cergy Saint Christophe station, we came across the Axe majeur designed by Dani Karavan, with its huge tiered garden that led us to the leisure park.
After the picnic, we enjoyed the calm of the banks of the Oise, then the agricultural areas and their fields of Brussels sprouts.
We had the pleasure of visiting the little church of Saint Christopher.
Sunshine and conviviality were the order of the day, but the cold wind reminded us that it was only the end of February.
Cultural walk on February 12, 2023: Georges Valbon Park and Saint Denis Basilica
Led by Blandine – approx. 12 km
This walk was an opportunity for some to discover, or for others to rediscover, the great Georges Valbon park, a breath of fresh air in Seine-Saint-Denis. This beautiful park is criss-crossed by the Gr655 pilgrims’ route, which takes us through a variety of paths with different flora and fauna. After a picnic lunch, we headed for the Basilica of Saint Denis for an afternoon of culture, where we visited the tombs of the kings.
The February 5, 2023 walk – A joint walk with the “La patte agile” association
For the1st time, Monique brought the 2 associations together for a joint walk in the forest of Fontainebleau, an 18 km loop starting from Thomery, in which 9 members of SFASJC, 8 of La Patte, 3 members of the 2 associations and 4 guide dogs took part.
Just enough time to get to know each other, and we’re off into the woods; first stop a few yards from the station to untie the impatient dogs. Having just been untied, the dogs are having the time of their lives, too happy to be relaxing after the hard work they do every day guiding their masters through the streets and public transport systems of Paris.
Monique had warned us: the dogs, although tied up for the meal, are lively and thieves, and a few hikers paid the price. But no worries, as everyone brought something to share, and the meal was pantagruelian, with white wine, red wine, cider, cakes of all kinds, cakes, crêpes, fruit and chocolates.
The January 29, 2023 walk – On the GR655 and in the Verrières forest
Walk led by Blandine – approx. 18 km, mainly on the GR655 (Jacobean path).
The weather is sunny on our route. Thank you St Jacques. We first walk along the “coulée verte”, which corresponds to the Chemin Jacquaire GR655, then enter the Verrières forest to reach the Parc de la Vallée aux Loups.
The January 15, 2023 walk – In the footsteps of Caillebotte
Walk led by Monique in the Vallée de Chevreuse, approx. 18 km, mainly on the GR655 (Chemin jacquaire).
For this first walk of the year,
Saint Jacques was with us: no rain but sunshine, and a little wind at times. The atmosphere was very friendly.
After a pleasant walk in the woods and then the Grange forest along the long paths formerly dedicated to hunting, some of which were very muddy due to the rain of the previous days, we descended the New Year’s Eve hillside, crossed the park of Caillebotte’s house and then walked along the Yerres, visiting its islands.
La marche du 4 décembre 2022 – A short Jacobean walk in the heart of winter
Walk led by Blandine in the Chevreuse valley, approx. 18 km, mainly on the GR655 (pilgrims’ route).
We pass Vauhallan Abbey, where we meet some young scouts. Crossing the woods on the Saclay plateau near the Ecole Polytechnique. Everyone was happy. Even if the sun didn’t make an appearance, we passed through some beautiful places and it wasn’t that cold. There were 22 of us. The group photo was kindly sent to us by Aurora.
The march on September 25, 2022
Hikes led by Blandine on the Jean Racine trail and in the Chevreuse valley.
We walked along the Etang des Noés, through the Port Royal forest and then joined the Chemin Jean Racine, passing the Port Royal Abbey. After crossing the Bois de St Lambert, we arrived at the Château de la Madeleine, where we enjoyed a fine view over the Chevreuse valley.
After descending into the commune of Chevreuse, we followed the Yvette and the GR11, arriving at St Remy les Chevreuses.
As part of the Paris-> Sens -> Vezelay route
Summer Weekends 2022
August 26 and 27 / September 10 and 11
From Sens to La Roche Migennes then
from Laroche Migennes to Cravant Bazarne
Beautiful sunshine
A warm and friendly atmosphere
Participants were able to discover the beauty of the landscape and a well-marked route.
The July 24, 2022 march
A lovely hike organized by Blandine: starting from Coignières station, the route took us through Maincourt sur Yvette, through the Bois de la Crêne, and the hamlet of Fourcherolles; then on to Les Vaux de Cernay, which we skirted for several kilometers before returning via Auffargis. Fortunately, most of the route was in the shade. The walk ended at Le Perray en Yvelines, where we took the train back.
The July 7, 2022 march
Walk led by Monique JACOB
This loop around the Dourdan forest took us to Sainte Mesme, Ouye Abbey and Les Granges Le Roi. The group didn’t have to suffer too much from the heat, as a large part of the route was in the beautiful Dourdan forest.
The march of June 19, 2022
Walk led by Blandine BEAUDOUIN
This loop around the Dourdan forest took us to Sainte Mesme, Ouye Abbey and Les Granges Le Roi. The group didn’t have to suffer too much from the heat, as a large part of the route was in the beautiful Dourdan forest.
The May 22, 2022 march
6th stage on the Paris -Sens – Vézelay Way
Walk led by Bernard PETIT and Louis CHEVALIER
From Montereau Fault Yonne to Champigny
The May 8th 2022 march
5th stage on the Paris -Sens – Vézelay Way
Walk led by Albert ECHILLEY and Louis CHEVALIER
From Moret sur Loing to Montereau Fault Yonne – 20 km
The April 10, 2022 march
Walk led by Blandine BEAUDOIN
Climb to the Palaiseau plateau where we join the GR 655, which will take us back down to the Yvette valley, where we pass through Orsay, Bures sur Yvette, Gif sur Yvette and end up at the Saint-Rémy les Chevreuses train station.
The March 27, 2022 march
4th stage on the Paris -Sens – Vézelay Way
Walk led by Annick DUDOUIT, Monique JACOB and Louis CHEVALIER
Fontainebleau to Moret sur Loing – 17 km
The March 13, 2022 march
Walk led by Pierre HUCHARD
From Savigny sur Orge -> Arpajon (approx. 20 km)
Gloomy weather, rain expected, no sun. However, over twenty participants turned out for the day’s walk. Enthusiasm and smiles …
The February 13, 2022 march
3rd stage on the Paris -Sens – Vézelay Way
Walk led by Bernard PETIT and Monique JACOB for SFASJC and Louis CHEVALIER for ADPDSJC
De Ponthierry Pringy -> Fontainebleau-avon
Read the February 13 report
The January 30, 2022 march
Walk led by Monique JACOB
18 km loop in the Fontainebleau forest
The December 16, 2021 march
2nd stage on the Paris -Sens – Vézelay Way
Walk led by Albert ECHILLEY and Louis CHEVALIER
Montgeron -Saint Fargeau Ponthierry: 21 km
The November 11, 2021 march
1st stage on the Paris -Sens – Vézelay Way
Walk led by Albert ECHILLEY and Louis CHEVALIER
Tour Saint Jacques Paris to Montgeron: 23.5 km