Fontainebleau is probably the best destination for beautiful hikes close to Paris, especially thanks to its 25,000-hectare forest criss-crossed by multiple trails. Here are our top 11 hikes in Fontainebleau, suitable for all levels of hiker and family, as well as for a more intense sporting challenge.
1. Mont Aigu in the Fontainebleau forest
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 150 m
- Walking time: 2 h
- Itinerary
This itinerary is probably the most popular hike in the Fontainebleau forest, as it allows you to appreciate the full beauty of this massif and enjoy its beautiful panoramas. You'll hike all the way to Mont Aigu, a small peak at 123 m altitude in the heart of the forest, and one of Fontainebleau's must-sees. This hike is all the more popular for its moderate level of difficulty. But beware: this popularity also means that this loop trail is particularly busy, especially on sunny weekends.
2. Brigands cave and Apremont gorge
- Distance: 6 km
- Difference in altitude: 130 m
- Duration : 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful family hikes in Fontainebleau. There are no particular difficulties on this trail. What makes the Fontainebleau forest such an excellent hiking destination is the diversity of its trails, which are accessible to all levels. This walk will appeal to the whole family, as it leads to the Caverne des Brigands, a man-made cave offering a beautiful view, and then on to the Gorges d'Apremont, an impressive rocky chaos that is also highly panoramic.
3. La Croix d'Augas and the Denecourt tower
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 150 m
- Walking time: 2 h
- Itinerary
This beautiful hike in Fontainebleau is accessible on foot or by bike. The circuit forms a medium-difficulty loop that starts at La Croix d'Augas, a rustic inn that will almost make you forget you're less than an hour from Paris. The trail then passes by the Denecourt Tower. Climb to the top for a 360° view of the forest! Because of the unevenness of the ground, good hiking boots are recommended.
4. Gorges de Franchard
- Distance: 4 km
- Height difference: 75 m
- Duration: 1 h
- Itinerary
This trail has all the makings of a family outing or a leisurely stroll in Fontainebleau: it's short, doesn 't involve much of an ascent, traces a loop back to the starting point, and is well signposted. Nevertheless, it's not short of beauty and interesting sites, including the Roche qui Pleure, a stone that stores rainwater and releases it drop by drop, the gorges de Franchard, a very pretty sandstone landscape, the viewpoint of Saint-Mégrin, and then the Antre des Druides. You'll then pass through some superb natural landscapes, and be encouraged to take steps to reduce your ecological footprint.
5. La Trans'Bleausarde
- Distance: 43.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 878 m
- Duration: 10 h 45
- Itinerary
Although the Trans'Bleausarde is not signposted as a major French hike, its exceptional length means that it can be completed over several days. While some of the most experienced hikers can complete it in a single day, it's best to dedicate two or even three days to it. The Trans'Bleausarde is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in Fontainebleau, as it has been designed to pass through all the most beautiful parts of the forest. Good equipment is recommended, including walking shoes and hiking poles, as some areas can be slippery.
6. The Erosion Promenade
- Distance: 1.9 km
- Height difference: 60 m
- Walking time: 30 m
- Itinerary
Unlike the previous hike, this one in Fontainebleau is very short and easy. In fact, it's just a half-hour loop walk, which you can punctuate with stops. It's the ideal walk with children, or simply for a breath of fresh air close to Paris. No special equipment is required, but you may want to bring a picnic to spice up the walk, and why not binoculars for birdwatching.
7. Grotte Béatrix, Rocher des Étroitures and Mare aux Fées
- Distance: 7.4 km
- Height difference: 180 m
- Time: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
This medium-level walk has the advantage of passing through several interesting sites in the Fontainebleau forest. You'll pass through one of the most rocky areas of the massif. You'll be able to admire the grotte Béatrix, a beautiful rocky cavity, the rocher des Étroitures, a chaos offering a beautiful viewpoint, or the mare aux Fées, a luxuriant body of water that makes for an exotic stopover less than 2 hours from Paris. Along the way, you'll find a number of interesting picnic spots, so we recommend that you pack a snack to punctuate your walk.
8. Mont Merle via le rocher des Princes
- Distance: 17.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 400 m
- Duration : 4 h 30
- Itinerary
Discover Mont Merle, a relief and protected area in the Fontainebleau forest. It offers a beautiful hike in Fontainebleau, but is also of medium difficulty due to its length. Along the way, you'll pass a number of interesting sites, such as the Rocher de l'Étroiture or the Mare aux Fées, a charming little body of water full of plants that has inspired many artists, the Rocher des Princes or the Grotte Béatrix. At certain points along the route, the signposts can be confusing, so a map is recommended, as are good shoes, as the ground is sometimes slippery.
9. Gorges de Franchard crossroads
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Height difference: 140 m
- Duration: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
This medium-level loop route takes you along the sandy paths of the state forest, offering beautiful panoramic views. As you go deeper into the forest, this trail is a great way to get closer to nature close to Paris.
10. Avon rock
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 80 m
- Duration : 1 h
- Itinerary
This is an easy loop itinerary. It's particularly popular for its beautiful forest views. If you're looking for even more breathtaking views, Fontainebleau is a famous hot-air ballooning destination!
11. Grotte Béatrix and Bourron-Marlotte
- Distance: 24.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 528 m
- Time : 6 h 15
- Itinerary
Starting out from the Château de Fontainebleau, you'll hike along paths that go deep into the forest, passing at the foot of Mont Merle. This is a difficult hike because of its length, but you can also choose to do it over two days, sleeping in tents in the Grande Vallée bivouac area.
