MORET LOING & - NATURE & ADVENTURE - MSL TOURISME
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MORET
SEINE
&
LOING
NATURE & ADVENTURE
Visitor Guide
1
G ◆ L’ÎLE-D
IN E-F
Welcome
LO R
A
&
MORET
NC
MOR T SEINE
EC
SEINE
OM ME V O
E
& LOING
to Moret Seine Loing
US
◆
N
E
E
VU L’A
VEZ JAMAIS
Whether you're here for a short stay or just a day, you can
immerse yourself in local landscapes that have inspired
many painters and writers. Here, to the south-east of the
Île-de-France region, at the crossroads of the Seine and
Loing valleys, and on the edge of Fontainebleau forest,
you can discover a superb mixture of unique history and
generous, preserved nature.
Patrick SEPTIERS
President of Moret Seine & Loing
The church of Saint-Martin
in La Genevraye.
2 3
◆ L’ÎLE-DE-
Inside the guide
G FR
IN A
O
MOREET
L
N
&
CE
RET SEINE
COM
SEIN G RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
ME V O U
& LOIN
MO
IN SEINE & LOING… page 7
8/WALKING AND HIKING 20/SENSITIVE NATURAL
SN
◆
AREAS
E
Breathe in the countryside
L’
AV UE
EZ JAMAIS V
13/THE CALL OF 22/UNUSUAL FAUNA
THE FOREST & FLORA
A prescription for well-being
25/IN THE GARDEN
17/BLOWING IN THE WIND
Glider, aeroplane or hot-air 26/BATHING & WELL-BEING
balloon Take a break
18/PARADISE FOR NATURE
ENTHUSIASTS
Reconnect with nature
TAKE AN ADVENTURE IN SEINE & LOING… page 28
30/HERE, CYCLING 41/A BREAK ON THE WHITE
IS KING Hop on for a ride WATERS OF THE LOING
or a journey Unforgettable experiences
and adventures in a canoe
34/THE FASCINATING
HISTORY OF CYCLING
Laufmaschine, velocipede,
penny-farthing, bicyclette
37/HORSE RIDING
Adventures on four legs !
GET A TASTE OF NATURE’S BOUNTIES… page 44
47/WELCOME 55/A RISING TIDE
TO THE FARM OF BEER
Fresh and authentic produce Awaken your inner
to fight unhealthy eating ! zythologist !
51/FOOD DATES 56/THE SEINE & LOING
BREWERY ROUTE
52/FOUR RIVERS RUN
THROUGH IT 58/COURSES &
Carpe diem! EXPERIENCES
60/A SELECTION OF
www.msl-tourisme.fr PRODUCTS MADE IN MSL
ON SCREENS, TABLETS AND SMARTPHONES USEFUL INFORMATION:
63/Getting to Seine & Loing and planning your stay • 64/The Tourist Office
#msltourisme
4
seine & loing
ret
mo
Life
outdo ors
e
guid tur
e nature & adven
RECHARGE
YOUR BATTERIES
IN SEINE & LOING
Moret Seine & Loing is a wonderful
area to be explored, for ramblers and
hikers, budding naturalists or anybody
looking to slow down and unwind.
Take a stroll through the countryside,
surrounded by wild orchids, or
a relaxing “bath” in the forest.
Float gently down the stream, take
in the beauty and fragrances of
extraordinary gardens, or enjoy the
peace and calm of a hot-air balloon
flight at dawn or dusk.
Here, come to reconnect with nature.
A walk through Fontainebleau forest,
near Montigny-sur-Loing, amid sandstone
rocks and Scots pines.
6 7
LIFE
OUTDOORS
WALKING
AND HIKING
Breathe in the countryside
A
great exercise for the body and soul, walking is an
accessible way to promote well-being. And what better
way to connect with and discover a place than to explore
it on foot? Moret Seine & Loing offers a varied choice of
routes, trails and paths, suitable for all levels, from Sunday afternoon
strollers to experienced hikers, to explore its 220 km² territory and
its 23 towns and villages. You will find more than 60 km of grande
randonnée (GR®) hiking routes in the territory, including the GR®11,
which goes all the way round Île-de-France,
and the GR®2, running from Dijon to Le More than 200 km of
Havre, as well as the Pays de l’Orvanne and
paths to discover the
Lunain routes through the Bocage Gâtinais.
They offer a chance to discover a natural surrounding area and
environment with changing landscapes, reconnect with nature.
including the Loing and Seine valleys, where
splendid villas stand on sometimes steep
slopes, as well as rivers, brooks and streams running through hedged STEP INTO THE WORLD
farmland, vast rural spaces and the famous star-shaped paths of OF IMPRESSIONISM
Fontainebleau forest. For those who prefer history and more urban The ‘Sur les pas de Sisley’
landscapes, three walking trails will take you through the maze of (In the footsteps of Sisley) routes
offer a chance to explore the
alleyways of Veneux-Les Sablons, the port and narrow streets of the scenery that inspired one of
sailing town of Saint-Mammès, and the Golden Chasselas vine walls the great landscape artists of
of Thomery, which are listed as historic monuments. the Impressionist movement.
The landscapes immortalized
Don’t hesitate to explore the many routes available. With more than by the painter’s work, which is
200 kilometres of well-maintained and sign-posted paths, and 16 loop now exhibited in the world’s
most renowned museums, have
trails to choose from (see p.10), there is no risk of getting lost along Le Canal du Loing, remained almost unchanged. There
the way. Seize the opportunity to get back in touch with yourself and Alfred Sisley, 1892. are several routes to choose from,
which will take you through the
recharge your batteries! RMN-Grand Palais/S. Maréchalle/
towns of Thomery, Moret-Loing-et-
A wooded path Paris musée d’Orsay
Orvanne and Saint-Mammès.
through the massif of
Fontainebleau forest,
near Montigny-sur-Loing.
8 9
On the path of
« Autour du mont
Vernou-La Celle »
(n°3).
Tips and advice
HANDY APPS
Available to download
for free at the App Store
and Google Play.
BOUGEOTT
Discover the app
Bougeott, developed by
the Île-de-France region.
It provides personalised
walks, combining
Loop trails and hiking paths
exercise with discovery
of cultural and natural
heritage.
YOU WILL FIND HAVE YOU ALREADY
16 LOOP TRAILS TRIED ALL OF OUR LOOP BALADE BRANCHÉE
IN MORET SEINE & TRAILS? No problem! Choose a route,
LOING, ALL OFFERING There are also three routes download it and have fun
OPPORTUNITIES TO to discover with no need exploring Île-de-France’s
EXPLORE THIS AREA
THAT IS IDEAL FOR
for a guide. Download
the routes at the Seine-
EVENTS AND HIKES natural and cultural
heritage. With audio,
A STROLL OR BRISK
HIKE.
et-Marne department’s
website (www.seine-et-
GUIDED BY LOCALS photo and video content
that is automatically
B
The 16 trails, with marne.fr) or ask for them at triggered near
descriptive (Les venelles the Tourist Office: ecause it can sometimes be a bit noteworthy spots, you
de Veneux – The alleyways • À l’assaut de la montagne scary setting off to discover a forest can enjoy nature while
of Veneux) or more creuse (Scaling the hollow remaining in control.
imaginative names (L’être mountain): 10 km round or unknown place alone, you can
suprême en terre romaine walk / 2½ hr, starting at join a group for a walk and benefit from BALAD’NATURE
– The supreme being in Saint-Mammès. Routes and info to
Roman lands), offer round • Gravine de Sorques et local guides and their knowledge! Moret discover forests,
walks of 7 to 19 km, interest to see and visit roches de Marion (The Seine & Loing regularly organises gentle protected natural areas
suitable for all levels and along the way, and a brief Plain of Sorques and and heritage in Seine-et-
interests. If you would like presentation of the route. Roches de Marion route):
walks for groups, as well as hiking-related Marne.
to explore these All of this information 9 km round walk / 2¼ hr, events. The events La Printanière and
200 km of paths, pick up will help you find routes starting at Montigny-sur- La Patrimoine, held each year between CIRKWI
the free Moret Seine & that match your interests, Loing. A free community portal
Loing hiking route map physical condition and • Sur le sentier de la Plaine March and September, include a number that indicates hiking
available at the Tourist available time: an à la de Sorques (On the path to of routes suitable for all levels, as well as routes, interesting things
Office, which is full of carte menu to choose the Plain of Sorques): 5 km to see and viewpoints.
essential information that from! round walk / 1¼ hr, starting many themed activities, offering chances
will come in handy before Signs have been placed at Montigny-sur-Loing. to learn about biodiversity, geology, CLÉS DE FORÊT
you set off and on the trail. along the way to show You can also buy one of With quiz, investigation
The map shows the the route and help you the topographic guides
heritage, flavours of the terroir and more... and secret modes, this
location and routes of get your bearings: The co-published with the Walking clubs and associations (Rando fun app released by the
the MSL paths, as well 200 km of paths are fully Fédération française de ONF (French National
Seine & Loing, Nordic walking club) also Forestry Office) helps
as the main hiking trails marked out, including randonnée (French hiking
(GR®, GRP®, PR) nearby. information boards, and federation) at the Tourist offer a variety of outings all year round, beginners identify trees
On the back of the map, you will find a detailed Office. as well as shorter “gentle hikes” to enjoy and animals. Download
for each path, you will map of the route at the ‘Au Confluent de la Seine, before you go. Once
find a summary of key start. de l’Yonne, et du Loing… walking at your own pace. They welcome you’re in the forest, you
information (distance, à pied ’ includes 30 routes visitors passing through with open arms. won’t need a mobile data
estimated time, altitude Free map available for walks and short hikes (2 connection, as all the
difference and signs to on request at the Tourist hr 10 min to 4 hr 45 min),
Don’t hesitate to contact the Tourist features and content are
follow), as well as car Office and route details as well as three routes from Office for further information and to accessible offline.
parks and recommended accessible online at station to station (4 hr 30 find a walk or hike for you!
starting points, sites of www.msl-tourisme.fr min to 6 hr 30 min).
10 11
Viewpoint looking out over
Fontainebleau forest from LIFE
Grotte Béatrix (Béatrix cave), OUTDOORS
near Montigny-sur-Loing.
CALL OF
THE FOREST
A prescription for well-being
S
eine & Loing is a wooded area. Nearly one third of its
territory is covered with oaks, beeches and other broad-
leaved trees, as well as Scots pines and maritime pines. It is
home to the state-owned forests of Champagne, in the north, and
Nanteau, in the south, and neighbours the famous Fontainebleau
forest to the west. It is a paradise for outdoor leisure activities,
offering a leafy green environment and plenty of fresh air, just
three quarters of an hour outside of Paris. Whether you want to
contemplate nature with a walk, a nature study outing, or a spot
of Shinrin-yoku ( Japanese “forest bathing”), or prefer a sporty
option with rock climbing, horse-riding or bike-riding, answer
the call of the forest!
Did you know? FONTAINEBLEAU FOREST
This vast forest, usual rules of exploitation
covering more than (hardwood logging and
sandstone extraction).
20,000 hectares, This “art reserve” would
well deserves its become the world’s very
Forêt d’Exception® first nature reserve.
certification. Attracting many visitors
(more than 17 million
A former hunting ground people a year), the forest
for the kings of France, has a network of more
particularly Francis I, this than 1000 kilometres of
have been drawn to its signposted paths, routes
rich forest was a source
evocatively shaped rock and alleys, which are very
of wood for timber
formations, lights and popular with walkers,
and heating, as well as
varied ambiances. At the cyclists and horse riders. As
sandstone.
instigation of such artists, a cradle of mountaineering
Famous around the world,
particularly the Barbizon (see p.15), it is also a
Fontainebleau forest has
school of painters and, popular site for rock
inspired many painters
later, Rosa Bonheur, climbing.
(such as Corot, Millet and
certain parts of the forest, This exceptional forest is
Renoir), writers and poets
designated as ‘sanctuaires in the running to be named
(including Victor Hugo
de la nature’ (sanctuaries a UNESCO World Heritage
and George Sand), who
of nature), escaped the Site.
12 13
LIFE
OUTDOORS
How to discover THE FOREST
Different ways Centre d’écotourisme Montigny-sur-Loing,
de Franchard, • La Fosse aux loups in
to explore Route de l’Ermitage, Nanteau-sur-Lunain,
Fontainebleau forest 77300 Fontainebleau • La Roche du Sault in
+33(0)1 60 70 65 57, Villecerf.
GUIDES AND MAPS
contact@biosphere- To find out more and access
At the Tourist Office’s shop,
fontainebleau-gatinais.fr the sites, contact the Tourist
you will find the ‘Guide des
biosphere-ecotourisme.com Office or visit
sentiers de promenades
Facebook: biosphere.gatinais www.msl-tourisme.fr
dans le massif forestier de Fact sheets are available at
Fontainebleau’, an essential
Discover the federation’s website:
guide to the paths criss- our three forests ffme.fr
crossing the largest state-
owned forest in Île-de- Among the 16 loop trails FOREST THERAPY
included in the Moret Seine We know intuitively that
France, as well as a map of
& Loing hiking route map, immersing ourselves in
the forest published by the
four will take you on a nature, in the woods,
French National Institute
discovery tour of the three surrounded by trees and
of Geographic and Forest
forests in our territory : plants, is good for us. Teams
Information (IGN). Other
• Fontainebleau forest of Japanese scientists have
IGN maps are also available
Route n°1: ‘Seine, murs et demonstrated that woods
at the Tourist Office’s
forêt’ (The Seine, walls and have a positive effect on
shop. It’s easy to get from
forests), in Thomery, 8.8 km ; stress, insomnia and even
Fontainebleau to Moret- conditions such as arthritis
Route n°6: ‘De Kosciuszko
sur-Loing or vice versa via à Croc Marin’ (From and high blood pressure. A
the paths in Fontainebleau Kosciuszko to Croc Marin) forest therapy guide offers
forest (about a 12 km walk). in Montigny-sur-Loing, forest bathing courses in
16.3 km. the forests of Fontainebleau
THE FRANCHARD • Champagne forest and Nanteau, for individuals
ECOTOURISM CENTRE Route n°2: ‘L’eau, le fer, or families, to recharge
This is the place to come la pierre’ (Water, iron your batteries and enjoy an
to learn all about this and stone), 9.8 km in extraordinary experience in
exceptional forest and its Champagne-sur-Seine ; close contact with trees.
residents. The centre is • Nanteau forest • Salvo Natura
located next to the Route n°14 ‘La forêt de www.salvonatura.fr
Gorges of Franchard, a Nanteau’ (The forest of • Victor Rouliot - Arbor’Essence
major tourist attraction Nanteau), 13 km between Centre équestre de Graville
in Fontainebleau forest, Treuzy-Levelay and 06 46 81 72 70
just a few kilometres from Nanteau-sur-Lunain. victorrouliot@icloud.com
Moret Seine & Loing.
Run by the association
La réserve de biosphère
Free map available on request
at the Tourist Office and details A WALK WITH LLAMAS FONTAINEBLEAU
de Fontainebleau et du
of routes accessible online at
www.msl-tourisme.fr
To discover the forest
in a different way and FOREST:
Gâtinais, it welcomes
visitors and organises ROCK CLIMBING
experience a unique
adventure, book a 1 to
A CRADLE OF
nature outings, exhibitions
and awareness-raising
Offering alternatives
to the busiest spots in
1½-hour walk guided
by Caramel, Mikado and
MOUNTAINEERING
actions, particularly aimed Fontainebleau, Seine & Nougat, three sweet llamas With its famous sandstone rocks, Fontainebleau
at children. It is open Loing has three climbing kept the association Rando forest, on the north-western edge of our
to the public from mid- sites that are listed by the Lamas. Accessible for all. territory, has long been a playground for
April to mid-October, Fédération française de la Price: pay what you want; mountaineering enthusiasts. Here, in the 1920s
Wednesday to Saturday montagne et de l’escalade the money collected helps and 30s, ‘Les Bleausards’, a group of young
inclusive, as well as on all (French Federation of the association cover the Parisian mountain-climbers, unable to train on
public holidays (including Mountaineering and costs of looking after their real mountains, would come here on Sundays to
extended weekends), from Climbing): llamas. +33 (0)6 65 50 89 75 climb the forest’s rocks instead. Not only did Les
10 am to 6 pm. Activities • Le Long rocher in contact@randolamas.fr Bleausards create their own art of climbing, they
every Saturday. Fontainebleau forest, near www.randolamas.fr were pioneers of unguided mountaineering and
came up with many innovations and inventions,
including climbing shoes!
14 15
Flying over the countryside
in a hot-air balloon, at dusk, LIFE
in La Genevraye. OUTDOORS
BLOWING IN THE WIND
Whether it’s in a glider,
an aeroplane or a hot-air balloon,
the sky is the limit!
E
njoy the calm and the stunning spectacle offered by a hot-air
balloon flight, and appreciate the “impressionist light” of the
sunsets (or sunrises) painted by Alfred Sisley, see our most
beautiful nature and heritage sites from the sky on board a
tourist plane, leaving from Épisy aerodrome, or why not try your hand
at flying a twin-engined aircraft or glider: all of these unforgettable
experiences can be had in Seine & Loing. Let your spirit soar!
HOT-AIR BALLOON L’Aéroclub de
FLIGHT la vallée du Loing (ACVL)
Two companies provide offers the following:
flights in our area: • 20-minute flights above
• Montgolfiere.com our region to discover
offers hot-air balloon our most beautiful sites
flights to discover our (including châteaux,
landscapes in a basket. fortified towns and
Flights must be reserved villages, and valleys)
in advance. as seen from the sky.
Basket accessible for
• first-time flights,
passengers with
a flying lesson with active
reduced mobility GLIDER AND ENGINE- participation in pre-flight
47, avenue Jean Jaurès POWERED FLIGHTS preparations, followed by
77250 Moret-sur-Loing To discover the unique a half-hour flight with an
+33 (0)1 60 70 80 85 / sensation of flying in
(0)6 74 75 31 06 experienced instructor,
silence, on board a glider, who will let you take the
info@montgolfiere.com
the Centre de vol à voile controls and introduce
www.montgolfiere.com
de Fontainebleau et sa you to the basics of flying
• France Montgolfières
région (CVVFR) provides a plane.
offers an adventure
first-time glider flights, • flights above our region,
lasting more than three
hours, leaving at sunrise a flying school, courses flying over the Loing
or sunset, when winds and more. Office open on valley. Monday, Tuesday,
are stable, in total safety. Wednesday and Saturday Thursday and Friday from
Booking required. from 2 to 6 pm 1 to 4:30 pm. Saturday
21 rue Grande, Aérodrome de Moret-Épisy, from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
77710 Villemaréchal Chemin de la vallée droite, Aérodrome de Moret-Épisy,
+33 (0)1 60 70 52 33 / Épisy 77250 Moret-Loing-et- Chemin de la vallée droite,
(0)3 80 97 38 61 Orvanne 77250 Épisy
reservations@ +33 (0)1 64 45 80 71 +33 (0)1 64 45 83 23
francemontgolfieres.com cvvfr@free.fr secretariat.acvl@free.fr
www.franceballoons.com www.cvvfr.org www.aeroclub-moret.fr
Facebook: FrMontgolfieres Facebook: CvvfrPlaneurMoret Facebook: ACVLMoretEpisy
16 17
Butterfly on a purple
LIFE loosestrife in the
OUTDOORS marsh of Épisy.
PARADISE FOR NATURE
ENTHUSIASTS
Reconnect with nature
H
ere, in Seine & Loing, you are just a stone’s throw from
where it all began. The place where “nature sanctuaries”
were created in 1853, followed by “art reserves” in 1861,
in Fontainebleau forest: the world’s very first nature
reserves. This may have something to do with the fact that passion
for nature and its protection is a key part of our local identity. With
a great variety of landscapes and natural environments – forests,
hedged farmland, valleys that are majestic (the Seine and the Loing)
or more modest (the Orvanne and the Lunain), limestone plateaus
and wetlands – our territory is a dream location for biodiversity. Our
woods and rivers, where numerous rare species thrive, are actively
protected as part of the European programme Natura 2000. Along
with the Bocage Gâtinais, Fontainebleau forest belongs to the
biosphere reserves created by UNESCO to encourage actions that
support sustainable development. Lastly, six Espaces Naturels Sensibles
(Sensitive Natural Areas), listed for the exceptional richness of their
fauna and flora, are open to the public all year round. All of these
protected sites are dedicated to discove ry and awareness-raising, as
well as simply enjoying a stroll outdoors. So, keep your eyes and ears
wide open and discover nature as you’ve never seen it before!
Did you know?BOTANICAL TREASURES
In the eighteenth century, the most well-known botanists of the day
came to Épisy to collect plants for the King’s herbaria, which can still be
seen at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris.
The tradition is still alive today. A fantastic
spot for nature in Île-de-France, included
path along which visitors can learn more
about the unique natural heritage of the
The Marsh of Épisy is home
on the highly select IUCN Green List and wetland. Raised platforms are provided to a variety of protected
classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, the along the path to observe the wildlife.
Marais d’Épisy (Marsh of Épisy) offers a There are also hiking routes (documents wildlife, including forty or
chance for nature lovers and newcomers to available at the Tourist Office) and nature
experience a great diversity of flowers and outings are organised each year by Seine-et- so dragonfly species.
herbs, with species that date back to the Ice Marne Environnement.
Age. This 44-hectare site has a discovery www.seine-et-marne-environnement.fr
18 19LIFE LIFE
OUTDOORS OUTDOORS
SENSITIVE NATURAL ➜ Natural environments:
woods, man-made lakes,
banks of the Loing.
suitable for people with
reduced mobility: 1 km
There is an additional
the Seine valley, brings
together remarkable
AREAS ➜ Interesting for: plant,
insect, bird and amphibian
500-metre path to get to
the observation platform.
geological formations:
diaclases and tuff
cascades along a small
O
life. ➜ Natural environments: stream.
pen and equipped to welcome visitors, five sites with man-made lake, marsh. ➜ Where :
remarkable wildlife that is protected and promoted, MARAIS D’ÉPISY ➜ Interesting for: Champagne-sur-Seine.
Well-known in France, this remarkable natural ➜ Location : D39 or
stretch out over an area of more than 200 hectares. They marsh has been a magnet environment, plant, insect, rue des Poiriers.
for botanists since the bird and amphibian life.
offer numerous walking paths for nature lovers and a chance to eighteenth century and NATURE OUTINGS
discover various ecosystems. Outings in these nature reserves are is home to an amazing TUF DE LA CELLE • Seine-et-Marne
regularly organised by the Seine-et-Marne Environnement agency. variety of flowers, herbs This geological site of Environnement
and mosses. It can be national importance, Site Prugnat
Accompanied by a specialised guide, you can observe dragonflies, accessed via a raised permanently open to the 18 allée Gustave Prugnat
butterflies, wild orchids, toads and spiders, according to your public, has surprising Moret-sur-Loing
things to discover. You will 77250 Moret-Loing-et-
area of interest. To discover them without a guide, brochures are find an educational trail Orvanne
available at the Tourist Office and you’ll find information boards with information displays +33 (0)1 64 31 11 18
that present the site’s
on the sites. paleontological richness.
contact@me77.fr
www.seine-et-marne-
➜ Where: Vernou-La environnement.fr
Celle-sur-Seine • Association Le Loriot
The sites and their specificities passageway above the
➜ Location: from the
RD39 road to La Celle,
(for outings in the
Sensitive Natural Area
peat bog. follow signs for the of Basses Godernes in
LES BASSES GODERNES PLAINE DE SORQUES ➜ Where: Moret-Loing-et- cemetery, next to which Champagne).
This wooded area has a Linking the banks of the Orvanne. you will find a car park. +33 (0)1 64 24 06 34
round walking path by the Loing to Fontainebleau ➜ Location: at the ➜ Distance: 200 m round contacts@leloriot.org
river, alongside a former forest, this plain is formed exit of Épisy towards walk
branch of the Seine. It is of woods, meadows, La Genevraye (RD 40 ➜ Interesting for: Please remember
an ideal spot for fishing swamps and ponds. There road), car park on the geological features to take your litter with
(licence required). are two bird-watching left, entrance next to the you when you leave
➜ Where: Champagne- platforms and “discovery” sports field. LE TROU CANARD and respect these sites.
sur-Seine. family of the man known paths for walkers. ➜ Distance: round walk This site, overlooking
➜ Location: on the banks as “The Tiger”, Georges ➜ Where: Montigny-sur-
of the Seine, car parks on Clemenceau. It is home to Loing and Moret-Loing-et-
Rue de l’Aqueduc and Rue many protected species. Orvanne (Épisy).
➜ Where: Moret-Loing-et-
du Vieux Clos.
➜ Distance: walk of Orvanne.
➜ Location: from the
hamlet of Sorques in Did you know?TUNNELS FOR TOADS
around 2 km on the site ➜ Location: from the Montigny-sur-Loing, follow
(round walk around the Porte de Bourgogne, take signs for Moret-Loing-et-
pond 1.2 km). Rue de l’Église, Rue de Orvanne (RD 104 road), Each spring, toads to each year to reproduce,
➜ Natural environments: Grez, turn left onto Rue de car park 200 metres from special tunnels have been
Madame, and then take and other amphibians
pond, banks of the Seine, the Sorques crossroads. built.. The ingenuous system
meadow, woods. the path before the bridge ➜ Distance/duration return to the pond designed uses wooden
➜ Interesting for: plant of the RD 606 road. of the route: blue path where they were born. barriers that channel the
and bird life. ➜ Distance: 1.4 km round (access to the bird- However, they often animals into small tunnels
walk. watching platform): made for them under
➜ Natural environments: have to cross roads on
PRAIRIE CLEMENCEAU 1 km / 40 min, red the road. Thanks to these
This vast wetland located woods, banks of the path (around the plain their journey, which is tunnels, thousands of
by the river in Moret- Loing, meadow liable to of Sorques via the a risky business! frog and newt species. In amphibian friends have
sur-Loing is opposite flooding. banks of the Loing and order to allow them to cross been able to stay alive
the Grange Batelière, a ➜ Interesting for: plant Fontainebleau forest): The Plain of Sorques, in the road that separates the during their reproductive
former property of the and insect life. 5 km / 2 hr Montigny-sur-Loing, is forest from the ponds and period and raise the next
home to numerous toad, river they make their way generation.
20 21FAUNAA
& FLORl
unusua GIANT ANIMALS
Record-breakers!
The deer
The majestic red deer living in our forests is the largest wild
animal in Europe. It can weigh up to 220 kg. The state-owned
EXOTIC FLOWERS & ANIMALS forest that borders our territory has between 650 and 750
stags and hinds. It is indisputably the king and even the spirit
You don’t need to go far from home! of our forests, with its magnificent antlers that are shed each
winter, only to grow back again in the spring. These fascinating
Orchids creatures are shy and fleet of foot, meaning only a lucky few
You don’t need to go as far as Papua New Guinea or Indonesia to see will get to see them on a walk. They prefer nocturnal life.
beautiful orchids growing wild. Many species of wild orchids with
amazing shapes and shimmering colours, such as the bee orchid,
pyramidal orchid, heath spotted-orchid and lady orchid, come into Hundred-year-old oaks
bloom from April to June along our paths and in our meadows. You These stately trees are the guardians of our forests,
will have the best chance of seeing them in flower along the loop trail which are home to many remarkable trees. With
n°3, ‘Autour du mont Vernou-La Celle’ (Around Mont Vernou-La Celle), multiple trunks and amazing shapes, you can admire
and loop trail n°2, ‘L’eau, le fer, la pierre’ (Water, iron and stone), as well them as you stroll beneath the canopy, or get to know
as at sites listed as Sensitive Natural Areas. Please note that these are them even better by spending a night together. At Le
protected species and it is forbidden to pick them! Domaine de Graville, in Vernou-La-Celle, you can sleep
in one of the tree houses perched in the branches of
Tarantulas these hundred-year-old giants (see the Restaurant and
accommodation guide). They offer an ideal place from
Tarantulas in Fontainebleau forest, really?! Yes! This forest is a
which to observe the deer, does, foxes and boars, in
paradise for entomologists. There’s no need to panic, however, as
total safety. www.ferme-equestre-graville.com
these tarantulas, unlike their huge cousins in the Amazon, measure no
more than a couple of centimetres and present absolutely no danger
to humans! Only their name is enough to send shivers up your spine.
FOUL WILDLIFE
AQUATIC ANIMALS A stinky plant and a grimy beetle
Majestic and poetic Wild arum
These white flowers tinged with green, related to the arums found
Swans, Canada geese and gulls in gardens, release an odour of... excrement. Their name: Arum
maculatum, or wild arum. This herbaceous plant releases a foul
You will find many swans swimming on the waters of the Seine. These smell that attracts insects for pollination. Thankfully, the odour
majestic creatures are not the only ones to appreciate the pleasant disappears once the flower has been pollinated. Rest assured, they
surroundings of our streams and rivers. You may also get a chance only remain in flower for a short period and are very discreet in
to spot some of the Canada geese that like to rest on the banks of these parts!
the Loing and Seine on their migrations, or admire the dance of the
mallards, cormorants and gulls: birdwatchers will be in seventh heaven.
The dung beetle
The best spots to observe them: You will often see these beetles on paths trodden by
Port d’Effondré in Thomery, the Saint- horses or sheep. The reason they like to be near these
Mammès walk, Port de la Celle in animals is that they are coprophagous, meaning that they
Vernou and Pré de Pins in Moret-sur- feed on excrement. A mini powerhouse, the dung beetle
Loing. There is an observation platform is able to lift up to 1141 times its own weight. It is the
at the Sensitive Natural Area of Plaine world’s strongest insect. Above all, it plays an important
de Sorques, in Montigny-sur Loing, role in the environment by fertilizing soil and avoiding the
where you can watch birds, does, roe spread of parasites and pests. It’s no surprise that these
deer and other animals without being beetles were venerated in Ancient Egypt!
seen by them.
22 2323LIFE
OUTDOORS
IN THE GARDEN
A
number of gardens are open to visitors, including
kitchen gardens and ornamental gardens. They include
the grounds of the château where the great wildlife
painter Rosa Bonheur once lived, in
Thomery (to be discovered as of 2022, see page A splendid green
on the left), and the extraordinary estate of setting, where roses
Berville, next to the village of La Genevraye, with and peonies bloom.
its luxuriant gardens around the château. In this
splendid green setting, where countless antique
roses grow, nature is respected and gardening is an art of living.
Berville opens its gardens to the public two weeks each year, one
in May or June, when the roses and peonies are blooming, and
one in autumn, when the English garden is resplendent with
flaming colours. An amazing sight that is not to be missed!
Gardens to visit
JARDINS DE BERVILLE used to more rapidly pondlife and vegetables,
Opening of the gardens: mature the precious for children aged 5
15 May to 15 July and Golden Chasselas grapes and above, as well as
1 September to late that made the village participative workshops
November. famous. for grown-ups, with no
Visits by appointment For further information, reservation required,
only. Group of 15 people see the website www. on Wednesdays and
minimum. thomery.fr and the guide weekends, 2 to 5 pm.
Dates of open door days Art and History At the crossroads of Chemin
are announced on the Place Greffülhe, Thomery du Port and Rue du Viaduc,
website in Veneux-Les Sablons
jardins-de-berville.fr JARDIN DU DONJON (Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne).
Price: Adult: €10/adult, The donjon is one of the Programme available at
THE GROUNDS OF CHÂTEAU ROSA BONHEUR guided tour: €12/ child, remains of the twelfth- www.moretloingetorvanne.fr
up to 12 years old: €5 century royal castle. jardindesnoues@posteo.net
More than a garden, the animal species, including grape storage room. The Domaine de Berville Each year, you can visit
grounds surrounding deer, lions, wolves and grounds have many other Route de Moret, La Genevraye its French-style garden Other private gardens
Rosa Bonheur’s château monkeys. You will be able surprises in store for visitors, +33 (0)6 88 72 51 31 and the park on European open their doors on
in Thomery will tell you to explore the grounds with including a shooting range +33 (0)6 85 86 27 49 Heritage Days (subject to request and for events.
the life story of this their rose garden, kitchen that was used to train the contact@domaine-de-berville.fr change).
great wildlife painter. An garden, orchard, groves, people of the village to
Rue du Donjon, Moret-sur-Loing. EVENTS FOR
ultramodern heroine, who and woods populated resist the invasion of the THE GREENHOUSES OF www.donjondemoret.com YOUR DIARIES
was worshiped around with rare tree species and Prussian army in 1870, a JARDIN SALOMON
the world during her remarkable four-hundred- reflection of the artist’s • Couleurs Jardins,
This public garden was JARDIN DES NOUES throughout the month
lifetime, Rosa Bonheur year-old trees. You will incredible patriotism, as named after one of the The educational garden
lived and created her body also be able to visit the well as a mysterious train of June,
biggest grape producers of Les Noues has a range • Rendez-vous au jardin,
of work, her legend here, recently renovated Pavillon line and its experimental in Thomery, in the of activities, including
surrounded by her models: des Muses, the artist’s rural station. A green and poetic on the first weekend of
nineteenth century. Its insect hunts and chances June.
nearly 40 wild and domestic studio, and the estate’s world to explore from 2022! greenhouses were once to discover bees,
24 25Aquatic center
LIFE Le Grand Jardin
OUTDOORS Moret Seine & Loing.
BATHING AND
WELL-BEING
Take a break!
I
n Seine & Loing, you will find all you need to relax and
recharge your batteries! Boasting a heated outdoor pool
open all year round, to cool down in the summer and warm
up in the winter, water games for children, and a balneo-
relaxation area for adults, with hammam, sauna, massage jets and
salt-air therapy room, the Grand Jardin water park is an oasis of
relaxation. To take a slice of well-being home with you, you can
try our range of natural cosmetics made using the produce of
our beehives, or our artisanal, plant-based soaps, all gentle and
organic. Let yourself be pampered!
Take care of yourself
PEAU DE MIEL
The young local brand
Peau de Miel sells soaps
and shampoos made with
honey produced by the
beehives run by Sébastien
and Elisabeth, farmers and
beekeepers in Saint-Ange- LES BULLES DU LUNAIN
le-Vieil. Products on sale at the
CENTRE AQUATIQUE They are on sale at the Tourist Office.
The artisanal and organic
Did you know? PLAGES EN SEINE
DU GRAND JARDIN Tourist Office, the shop
The Grand Jardin has two at Ferme de la Nozaie, in soap factory «Les Bulles
du Lunain» offers a whole Popular as early as the time of Francis I, who
large pools, indoor and Nonville, and online.
range of soap and hygiene liked to swim at the Port of Thomery during his
outdoor, a splashpad for
products based on natural stays at the Château of Fontainebleau, bathing
little ones, beaches and
ingredients good to the on the banks of the Seine was all the rage in
a balneotherapy area.
skin and the environment. the last century. In Veneux and Thomery, in
(1½-hour slots, reservation
the Roaring Twenties, the riverbanks were
required). Activities, times, 12 Route d’Épisy
the place to be. Thousands of swimmers and
prices and reservations at 77690 La Genevraye
dancers would gather around giant slides and
www.ccmsl.fr +33 (0)6 18 82 15 49
Facebook: contact@ dance halls each weekend, to the sound of big
Route de Saint-Mammès https://peaudemiel.com
bullesdulunain.com band jazz. While bathing in the river is now
Moret-sur-Loing 2 bis Rue de la Chapelle,
Facebook: forbidden, a brand-new water park, with a
Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne 77710 Saint-Ange-le-Vieil
bulles du Lunain heated outdoor pool in the winter, is open all
+33 (0)1 60 70 42 15 elisabeth@peaudemiel.com
year round in Moret-sur-Loing.
26 27seine & loing
ret
mo
Sport
Nature
e
guid tur
e nature & adven
TAKE AN
ADVENTURE
IN SEINE ET LOING
Navigate the waters of the river Loing
in a canoe or kayak.
gallop along the tree-lined paths of
Montigny-sur-Loing, hit the road
on a bicycle along the EuroVelo Pilgrims
Route, or spend a night surrounded
by the foliage of hundred-year-old oaks
in the Forest of Champagne...
Enjoy a fresh taste of adventure
in Seine & Loing!
28 29On the
Eurovéloroute
SPORT & along the canal,
NATURE in Épisy.
HERE,
CYCLING IS KING
Hop on for a ride or a journey...
W
ith a museum devoted to the history of the
bicycle, two major champions of the Tour de
France as local legends, a velodrome and a
European cycle route, cycling reigns supreme
in Seine & Loing! Whether you simply fancy a breath of fresh
air with a leisurely bike ride, or you’re a veteran bicycle traveller,
Moret Seine & Loing is an ideal destination. Follow the EuroVelo
Pilgrims Route along its canals, rivers,
meadows and forests, well away from the The EuroVelo
busy roads. It will take you on a discovery Pilgrims Route will
tour of many charming and characterful take you on a tour of
villages, as well as tourist attractions
that are sometimes out of the ordinary:
charming villages.
the famous medieval town of Moret-
sur-Loing, the Marsh of Épisy, the little boating town of Saint-
Mammès, the cathedral factory of Champagne-sur-Seine and
the church of Saint-Martin de la Genevraye, perched high up in
the fields overlooking the surrounding countryside. Along the Did you know? BICYCLE CLIPS
way, you can stop off at the Musée du Vélo in Moret-sur-Loing
to discover the history of the bicycle and the first champions of An essential accessory Until the late 1970s, the
to protect the bottom Prugnat factories also
the Tour de France. Don’t hesitate to ask our experts about where of the trousers, these little made many other bicycle
you can repair your bicycle or hire one that will meet your needs clips are always popular accessories here, including
with cyclists. The first forks, frame tubes, pedals
(suitable for our paths, with or without electrical assistance, or a models were made in and chainsets. Three
trailer for children) . They will be more than happy to offer advice Moret-sur-Loing, on the decades later, they were
and share their favourite routes or tucked-away picnic spots. very spot where the opened to the public and
Musée du Vélo (bicycle became the home of the
Ready to hit the road? museum) now stands. Musée du Vélo.
30 31Route of la Scandibérique
SPORT &
in Moret Seine & Loing
NATURE Vers A6
Vers Fontainebleau
Things to see and do Ver
s Par
is
MUSÉE DU VÉLO sales and repairs. Reservations at the shop La Seine LeTrou
canard
Located on the site of Languages spoken: or online at https://
the former workshops english and spanish. lelocaldemontigny.fr Thomery
of the Prugnat factories, Site Prugnat, Allée Prugnat, +33 (0)7 49 42 10 40
where the famous ‘pinces 77250 Moret-sur-Loing,
parisiennes’ (bicycle clips) Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne. TOP LOISIRS Champagne-
were manufactured, the +33 (0)6 02 17 91 48 Rent a bike for the day or sur-Seine
Musée du Vélo looks velobello@orange.fr half day. A bicycle helmet, Les Basses-
Le tuf de
back at the history of the repair equipment as well as
la Celle
Godernes
www.velo-bello.com
bicycle, from 1817 to the Facebook: Vélo Bello cycling route suggestions
present day, including will be communicated Saint-Mammès
the Laufmaschine, the to discover the Forest
Bicycle hire Veneux-
D 40 E2
Michaux velocipede, the of Fontainebleau or la Le
penny-farthing and the Scandibérique. Les Sablons Lo
ing
Hirondelle... Visitors can LES CYCLOS DU LOING Reception from 9:00 am to
also learn about the very provides a bicycle hire 12:00 pm and from 2:30 Le
ca
first years of the Tour de service for children and pm to 6:30 pm (during
na
l
France, through the routes adults. A wide range, the Campsite’s opening
du Lo
including comfortable period / mid-March – late
Moret-sur-Loing
taken by great champions
ing
Ve
from Seine & Loing: René bikes, mountain bikes, November).
rs
Fo
ntai
La prairie
Clemenceau
Pottier, winner of the 1906 tandems, electric bikes Camping le parc du gué
ne
ble
au
race, and André Leducq, and various equipment, Rue Michel Cahen
two-time winner in 1930 is available for hire 77690 La Genevraye
and 1932. The museum from April to October. 06 14 75 53 69 The route of La Scandibérique from Norway
also runs a workshop on Weekends, public holidays www.toploisirs.fr to Spain (or vice versa).
its premises that sells and and school holidays: 9:30 infos@toploisirs.fr Écuelles
repairs bicycles, along am – 6:30 pm. Weekdays: g
oin
with the company Velo reservation required. CYCLE PATHS AND BIKE al d
uL
an
Bello. The museum opens Useful tips, ideas for ROUTES Le
c
ng
Tuesday to Friday from routes and themed tours Discover other bike routes
i
Montigny-sur-Loing
Lo
Le
1 to 7 pm, and Saturday are offered for cyclists. at the Cirkwi website: L’O
from 10 am to 6 pm. Free Services provided: hire Cirkwi is a free community La plaine
rv
an
entrance. Guided tours of all types of bikes. portal for tourist routes Le
Lo
ing
de Sorques
ne
for groups are available Language spoken: English and outings.
all year round, and for www.cirkwi.com Loin
g
l du
individuals (programme Le
cana
Épisy
available at the Tourist EUROVELO, BEFORE
Office). YOU HOP ON THE Le marais
Site Prugnat, Allée Prugnat, SADDLE, HOP ONLINE! d’Épisy
Moret-sur-Loing, Various digital tools have
Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne. been created to help you
Further information at the make the most of EuroVelo u Lo
ing
Moret-sur-Loing Tourist Office 12 rue Eugène Moussoir, 3, the Pilgirms Route. Le c
anal d La Genevraye
+33 (0)1 60 70 41 66 77250 Moret-sur-Loing You can visit the general
tourisme@ccmsl.com Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne website dedicated to the
www.msl-tourisme.fr +33 (0)6 42 50 98 13 French section of EuroVelo Nem
ours
Vers
contact@lescyclosduloing.fr 3 (www.scandiberique.fr),
Did you know? EUROVELO
VELO BELLO www.lescyclosduloing.fr and you will find specific
Velo Bello is a shop information for the Seine-
dedicated to touring, LE LOCAL DE MONTIGNY et-Marne section of the
trekking, all-terrain and Le Local de Montigny, route on the website The EuroVelo route that goes along the of Trondheim in Scandinavia to Saint-
city bikes. The mission located inside Montigny- (Scandi77.com). To help towpaths of Moret Seine & Loing is a Jacques-de-Compostelle in the north of the
is to make cylcing easy, sur-Loing railway station, with your preparations, huge 5122 km cycle path, which is part Iberian peninsula. It enables amateur and
pleasurable and even provides a hire service you can also use the social of a Europe-wide network of 17 long- experienced cyclists alike to explore seven
inspiring: a small shop for all-road bikes (and networks (Facebook, distance routes. It is known as EuroVelo countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark,
with big ambitions! helmets) for adults, from Instagram) and download 3 or La Scandibérique. It links the city Germany, Belgium, France and Spain.
Services provided: Bicycle a half-day to a week. a smartphone app.
1 km 5 km
32 33The fascinating history THE PENNY-
FARTHING (1870)
OF CYCLING A big wheel
To give you a taster of the bicycles to be for more speed
discovered when you visit the bicycle museum,
As time went by, designers bicycle models. The small
here are some of the models and inventions that sought to make the velocipede rear wheel enabled the rider
led to the birth of the modern bicycle. easier to handle. And, above to maintain balance on the
all, the aim was to go ever saddle. Mounting a penny-
faster and further, without farthing is tricky, however, as a
THE LAUFMASCHINE OR using more energy. In 1870, run-up is required to get onto
the penny-farthing appeared the saddle (which is sometimes
RUNNING MACHINE II (1817)
II
on the scene: with its large 1.50 metres or more above the
The ancestor of the bicycle front wheel, it enabled the
rider to go much faster and
ground). By 1881, the wooden
frame and wheels of the
Léonard de Vinci may have further with a stroke of the penny-farthing were replaced
designed the first bicycle model, pedal than with previous with lighter steel.
but his revolutionary invention
remained nothing more than a
drawing, until the nineteenth WHY DO THE
century. It was not until several FRENCH SOMETIMES
centuries later, in 1817 to be REFER TO THE
precise, that Baron Karl von Drais BICYCLE AS
made the first working two-
wheeled machine. There were not LA PETITE REINE
yet any pedals or brakes. To make it (THE LITTLE QUEEN) ?
move forward, the rider had to run The bicycle was
their feet along the ground. To slow nicknamed ‘la petite
down or stop, they simply put their reine’ in memory of
feet back on the ground. The saddle To make it move forward, Wilhelmina, who became
was adjustable and the pivoting queen of the Netherlands
front wheel could be steered with the rider had to run their when she was a child,
a pole. Only three materials were
needed to make a Laufmaschine:
feet along the ground. in 1890, and who loved
riding bicycles.
iron, wood and leather.
THE MICHAUX While the pedal was invented as early as 1853, THE BICYCLE (1879)
VELOCIPEDE (1861) it was while repairing a Laufmaschine that
Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest had the idea The first popular bike
The moustachioed bicycle, of adding pedals to it. Work on the system
was complete by 1861 and it was officially
The word ‘bicyclette’, which were later made to the
was adopted in France, was bicycle, with the invention
or the invention of pedals presented at the International Exposition of
1867. The rider could now
coined by British designer of the freewheel, gears,
Henry John Lawson, in brakes and more. Two new
move forward by pressing 1879. A French model, very features were particularly
down on the pedals, which similar to this machine, was noteworthy: the appearance
turned the wheels. Michaux designed a few years earlier, of the first tyre, created by
also fitted his machine in 1868, by Charles Desnos- Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop
with a foot rest, called a Gardissal. The bicyclette in 1888, followed by that of
‘moustache’, so the rider is very recognisable and the first removable tyre by
would have a place to rest similar to the modern bike, the brothers Édouard and
their legs once they were with two wheels of the André Michelin in 1891. The
moving. This ingenious same diameter, a chainset bicyclette was the first truly
invention was named the connected to a link chain popular bicycle: in 1900, In 1891, the Michelin
‘velocipede’. and a cross-shaped frame.. nearly one million bicyclettes brothers invented the first
A number of improvements were in circulation in France. removable tyre.
34 3535The Rose mare,
a resident of the horse SPORT &
farm of Graville in NATURE
Vernou-La Celle.
HORSE RIDING
Adventures on four legs!
H
ere, it’s paradise for horses and horse-riders. Just a stone’s throw
from Fontainebleau, known as the “horse capital”, with its
Grand Parquet horse-riding events venue, its hippodrome and
the prestigious Military Riding School of Fontainebleau, the
Seine & Loing is a land of horses. It has no less than a dozen stud farms and
riding schools. In addition to rearing and training horses, riding clubs and
horse farms offer beginner classes, riding by the hour, horse treks and even
caleche rides. The wide forest and country paths are particularly suited to this
original way of getting around, which brings you closer to nature. Whether
you’re a budding or experienced rider, saddle up for a fantastic adventure!
Did you know? THE HORSE FAIR
Among the most famous paintings depicting horses, those of Géricault and
Delacroix spring to mind, but so do those of Rosa Bonheur. Her painting
The Horse Fair is today exhibited at The Met in New York.
The artist was able to buy her château in her time, Rosa Bonheur lived in Thomery
Thomery, which is now open to visitors, from 1860 until her death in 1899, in
with the earnings from the sale of this her home on the edge of Fontainebleau
artwork alone. This impressive painting forest, surrounded by her wild and
– a large format measuring 2.45 by domestic animals. 40 species, including
5.07 metres – depicts the Paris horse fair, lions, wolves and monkeys, shared her
which the painter observed every day for daily life and were the subjects of her
a year and a half, before producing this paintings and sculptures. She strove
work bursting with energy. A great master endlessly to reveal their souls through the
of wildlife painting in the nineteenth depth of their gazes. Reserve your visit to
century, a feminist and environmentalist discover her life and work.
before her time, and a major celebrity of www.chateau-rosa-bonheur.fr
36 37Horse-riding
SPORT & in the forest of
NATURE Champagne.
Stud farms and horse treks
LES ÉCURIES ÉCURIE DES PLEIGNES LES ATTELAGES
DE VILLEMER Pony club, classes and HANDI-LOISIRS
1-hour trek, introduction forest outings. Rides, horse-drawn
to riding in the school. Beginners accepted. carriages for people with
Open all year round, Disabled access. Opening and without disabilities.
every day. First-time pony times: Monday to Sunday: Disabled access caleche.
ride for ages 3 and up. 8 am to 7 pm Prices (starting from): €100/
Prices start at €10 Le Cottage, Hameau des Pleignes, hr Reservation required, by
3 Rue Froide, Hameau de 77690 La Genevraye email or telephone.
Montméry 77250 Villemer +33 (0)6 22 44 52 12 114 Route de Fontainebleau,
+33 (0)6 72 98 79 25 contact@ecuriesdespleignes.com 77140 Nonville
lesecuriesdevillemer@gmail.com http://ecuriesdespleignes.com/ +33 (0)6 84 41 56 88
Facebook: ecuriedevillemer Facebook: pleignes attelages.handiloisirs@gmail.com
https://lesattelageshandiloisirs.
LES ÉCURIES HARAS DU jimdofree.com/
DE NONVILLE CROC MARIN Facebook:
Lessons, pony rides…Prices Classes, schooling, forest LesAttelagesHandiLoisirs
start at €30/hour (adult), rides (accessible directly
€15/30 min for children from the quarry, without FERME ÉQUESTRE
aged under 10. passing by the road), DE GRAVILLE
Open all year round, rooms and table d’hôte Rides by the hour and treks
8:30 am to noon and 2 to 6 meals. Horse ride €40/ by the day or week, food
pm, closed on Sundays hr (accompanied or and accommodation, horse-
9 Rue Grande 77140 Nonville unaccompanied). Open all drawn carriage, pony club,
+33 (0)6 99 27 45 62 year round, every day. From equine therapy.
ecuriesdenonville@gmail.com ages 12-13 up. Room and table d’hôtes
https://ecuriesdenonville.ffe.com Chemin des Trembleaux, meals. Open all year round,
Facebook : 77690 Montigny-sur-Loing rides available from March
Écuries de Nonville +33 (0)1 64 45 84 01 / to December.
(0)6 08 60 40 73 / One-hour ride: €25
CENTRE ÉQUESTRE (0)7 69 82 79 83 Half-day ride: €65
DE MONTIGNY contact@harasducrocmarin.com from ages 12 and up
Rides. Classes and https://harasducrocmarin.wixsite. Rue de la Vallée, Graville, 77670
activities on Sundays and com/crocmarin Vernou-La Celle-sur-Seine
during school holidays, Facebook: +33 (0)6 14 20 00 64
open to all, by the half-day Haras du Croc Marin nathalie.rouliot@wanadoo.fr
or week. www.ferme-equestre-graville.com
Open all year round. CHAUVILLE Facebook: La ferme equestre de
Opening times: ÉQUESTRE Graville et ses cabanes dans les
Tuesday to Saturday: Courses, lessons, horse and arbres
8 am -12:30 pm / pony treks. Accompanied
1:30 - 6 pm horse ride for ages 12 up. HARAS DE MARANGIS
Sunday: 8 am -12:30 pm Hand-led pony ride for Courses and individual
/ 1:30 - 5 pm. Closed on children (for ages 2 to 12). classes, show.
Mondays. Price: outing Prices (starting from): horse Visitors welcome.
(half-day): €45. Other ride €30/hr, pony ride €20/ Rides possible with
outings by appointment. hr. Open all year round, required level and for
Children (4 years and over), every day, from 8 am to 4/5 people. Possible with
beginners and experienced 7 pm. Disabled access, reservation 2/3 days in
riders accepted. mentally and physically advance.
Chemin des Trembleaux, disabled groups welcome. Rue du Moulin,
77690 Montigny-sur-Loing 16 Rue de la Vallée 77670 Vernou-La Celle-sur-Seine
+33 (0)6 83 86 61 55 77140 Nonville +33 (0)1 64 23 36 03 /
poneyclub.montigny@gmail.com +33 (0)6 88 06 39 31 (0)6 80 25 40 81
Facebook: poneyclubdemontigny chauville-equestre@hotmail.fr contact@harasmarangis.fr
www.centre-equestre-montigny. Facebook: https://www.facebook. www.harasmarangis.fr
com com/elevageoopss/ Facebook: harasmarangis
38 39Arrival of the canoes
in the heart of the SPORT &
medieval city of NATURE
Moret-sur-Loing.
A BREAK ON
THE WHITE WATERS
OF THE LOING
Unforgettable experiences
and adventures in a canoe
G
et a fresh perspective! Everything looks different on
the water. Set off for a session of sport or exploration,
either alone to enjoy the calm of the surroundings, or
with family and friends to experience a great adventure
together. Hire companies have canoes, kayaks and even paddle
boards for a day on the river, or a short session of
one or two hours. Once you reach the starting You’re all ready to
point, equipped and briefed, you’re all ready set off to explore with
to set off to explore with paddle in hand. The
adventure begins! Read on to further whet your paddle in hand.
appetite... From your canoe, you will be able to
observe mallards and mandarin ducks, swans
and moorhens, or surprise a heron catching a frog. Between the
water lilies, water grass and water-crowfoot swaying in the current,
you will also be able to catch glimpses of carp, pike or trout, and
watch the mesmerising dance of the dragonflies. A few beautiful
villas with amazing architecture, jealously protected from passers-
by on the street by high walls, can be seen from the river. The end of
the route, the crowning piece, offers some thrills as you go past the
spillway, the final stage before the spectacular arrival in a scenery
worthy of a postcard, or a painting even: the medieval town of
Moret-sur-Loing, with its church, donjon and bridge, so often
depicted by the great impressionist landscape painter Alfred Sisley.
The river awaits!
40 41SPORT & SPORT &
NATURE NATURE
Where to hire a canoe?
CANOE, APIKOPA stand-up paddling. Did you know? YOU CAN COME BY BOAT!
KAYAK AND PADDLE Apikopa has a fleet Top Loisirs also offers
BOARD HIRE of 25 canoes and other activities, including RIVER STOPS
Canoe trips on the 3 kayaks available. archery, climbing, The Moret Seine & Loing ports of call wel-
Loing are available for They offer three routes orienteering and guided comes some 500 boats from April to October,
individuals and groups. to choose from: hikes. from small barges to 80-metre cruise liners
There are several routes Grez-sur-Loing – Épisy, +33 (0)6 14 75 53 69 bringing passengers from around the world. It
to choose from according Grez-sur-Loing – infos@toploisirs.fr has thirty or so berths on the river Seine, the
to your wishes and Moret-sur-Loing and www.toploisirs.fr river Loing and the Canal du Loing. The port
available time. Épisy – Moret-sur-Loing.
authority building is open every day of the
You can go at your +33 (0)6 21 09 37 50 NATURE LOISIR week, except public holidays specific to riv-
own pace. While you contact@apikopa.fr ÉVASION er navigation. A boat wintering service, from
do not need to be www.apikopa.fr Nature Loisir Évasion October to March, is available on reservation.
sportsperson to do Facebook: offers canoe and kayak
canoeing, you must be LocationCanoesMoretLoing trips down the Loing
able to swim at least and paddle board hire.
PORT OF passenger boats. Ports of call of
25 metres, even when TOP LOISIRS Various half and full-day
MORET-SUR-LOING Water and electricity. Saint-Mammès and
wearing the life jacket Top Loisirs, a specialist in 9 berths + 1 berth for 15 bis, Quai de Seine Moret-sur-Loing
routes are available, passenger boats. +33 (0)6 47 68 79 51
supplied by the hire sports and leisure outings on the section running 77670 Saint-Mammès
company. For those who for individuals and groups, Water and electricity. laurette.levis@ccmsl.com
from Grez-sur-Loing to 77250 Moret-sur-Loing Tourist Office
wish to try the paddle offers two canoeing routes Episy and Grez-sur-Loing PRUGNAT STOP
Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne Moret Seine & Loing:
board, you must test on the Loing: Grez-sur- to Moret-sur-Loing. Upstream of the lock
your balance first before Loing – Épisy, Grez-sur- PORT OF of Moret-sur-Loing, 4 bis Place de Samois,
+33 (0)6 19 37 43 24 77250 Moret-sur-Loing
taking a board out onto Loing – Moret-sur-Loing information@nature-loisir.fr SAINT-MAMMÈS Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne
the river. (for ages 7 and up) and 13 berths + 2 berths for 3 berths on Canal du Loing +33 (0)1 60 70 41 66
www.nature-loisir.fr
42 43You can also read
