Just a 30 minute train ride away from Paris, the forest of Fontainebleau is one of the most frequently visited in Europe. It has 500 km of well marked trails for hikers to enjoy. Here is our selection of unique walks through this not-to-be-missed site.
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Do you like going for walks in the forest? The Fontainebleau forest has numerous trails for art lovers, the athletically-minded, fans of strange rock formations, families and more. Let us guide you on some unusual walks!
Discover our suggestions for unique walks in the forest of Fontainebleau.
Follow in the painters’ footsteps in Barbizon
At the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, Barbizon is nicknamed the village of the painters, because it played an essential role in the history of French pre-impressionism. Starting in 1830, a place called Ganne Inn in this little woodcutters’ village began hosting numerous painters who came seeking inspiration in nature.
Later, they would split their time between Barbizon and Chailly-en-Bière, finding their subjects in the countryside or the nearby Fontainebleau forest. Today it is a charming village with cobblestone streets, along with numerous little boutiques and art galleries.
From the village of Barbizon, you can follow a trail marked in yellow that will take you in the footsteps of the 19th century landscape painters: you will see the jumbles of rocks painted by Camille Corot, the master of the young painters of the Barbizon school, and the hundred year old oak trees where painter Simon Mathurin-Lantara kept his cows.
Difficulty: easy loop, 6 km, 2 hours, follow the yellow markings.
Starting point: across from the Tourism Office, Place Marc Jacquet in Barbizon.
How to get to Barbizon by train
- From the Gare de Lyon in Paris, take a train towards Montereau or Montargis, and get off at Melun or Fontainebleau/Avon.
- Or take the RER D line towards Melun and get off at the end of the line.
- There is no public transport between the train stations and Barbizon. You will need to take a taxi or hire a car at the station.
Dencourt Tower
Located on a trail containing many lookout points, at a height of 130 m, the Tour Denecourt offers a panoramic view of the Fontainebleau forest. Built by Claude-François Denecourt, a great lover of the forest, it served as an observation tower. Napoléon III inaugurated it in 1853. From the top, you can see the surrounding villages and a viewpoint indicator will help you get your bearings. It’s the perfect place for a lovely panoramic photo!
Difficulty: very easy, 2.21 km, 40 minute walk.
Starting point: from Route Gaston Bonnier, above the train station, then Route de la Tour Denecourt.
A walk in the company of the donkeys
Donkey lovers united around three beautiful animals, Kakou, Martin and Anthonin, and the Avon’ânes association was born. It organises walks in the company of donkeys, who can carry your bags. It’s a lovely idea for a family walk in the forest! Six circuits are available, all starting in the Parc de Bel Ébat.
Activity by the hour, half-day, or full day.
Wednesday walks: every Wednesday afternoon, the donkeys can carry your children (35 kg and less) through the Parc de Bel Ébat.
At the beach in Fontainebleau: “Les Sables du cul du chien”
This is an incredible place, resembling a desert of sand entirely cut off from the rest of the world. Welcome to the “Sables du cul du chien”, a geological curiosity in Fontainebleau, and one of the most famous sites in the area. It has a beach with both sun and shade and large rocks where you can try out bouldering — it’s no surprise it attracts so many visitors. You must go there at least once in your life! Don’t miss the famous “cup and ball”, an isolated boulder in the sand.
Difficulty: an easy 20 minute walk.
Starting point: the closest car park, at Noisy-sur-École (Roche aux Sabots car park).
Sylvotherapy, the energy of the trees
Sylvotherapy, or “forest baths”, originated in Japan in the 1980s. This practice, accessible to all, helps you get your senses in tune with nature and eliminate stress thanks to the energy of the trees.
The Tourism Office of Fontainebleau offers half-day walks based on this theme.
Bonus: a walk including La Mare aux Fées, La Malmontagne, and the Grotte Béatrix
“A hike just to see a pond?” you might be asking. Yes, but what a pond it is, La Mare aux Fées, or “Fairy Pond”! In the heart of the forest, La Mare aux Fées is a real source of life for the surrounding environment. In 1896, painter Armand Charnay planted yellow irises there, because he wanted to add a touch of colour — a perfect setting for a picnic!
It’s a lovely day hike. But one bit of advice: make sure to follow the GPS directions and bring your IGN map and/or fully charged cell phone with you. After the pond, the path continues on past other emblematic places in the forest.
Difficulty: medium, 5 hours, 16 or 17 km, elevation increase of 202 m and decrease of 200 m.
Starting point: car park of the Maison Forestière de la Grande Vallée, near the D58. Follow the Denecourt-Colinet trail n°11 (the blue markings) to the west. It will take you to La Mare aux Fées.