Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges

We're off to Seine-et-Marne, and more specifically to the Fontainebleau forest, to discover the sentier de l'érosion, a walk through the Apremont gorges. This 1.9 km walk, accessible and designed for all, reveals the wonders and challenges of nature. The loop lends itself perfectly to a family outing, allowing visitors to discover the beauty and fragility of the landscapes of the Fontainebleau forest massif, sculpted by erosion.

Departure point is the Gorges d'Apremont parking lot, between Barbizon and Fontainebleau. This hike is an invitation to explore the ecological and geological wealth of the region, highlighting the importance of preserving our environment. The fairly easy route takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour on average, making this activity an ideal choice for a stroll in the forest, even if you're not a great sportsman. But don't forget to bring good shoes, as you'll be scrambling between rocks.

The hike starts high up, and there's a lovely vantage point from which to admire the valley and the route that awaits you on the way down. The Gorges de la Forêt de Fontainebleau are currently dry, with no water courses. They were formed by the action of hydraulic currents several million years ago. Today, they are engulfed in a thick blanket of vegetation, in stark contrast to their state until the early 20th century, when they presented a desolate landscape of sand and rock. This past is evoked in the name "Désert d'Apremont". A stroll along the path today reveals rocks hidden under moss, ferns and pines. The good thing about it, even though it rained on the day of our walk, is that it's not muddy, as there's quite a lot of sand in the end.

As we walk along, we discover the superb Apremont staircase, a 149-step structure installed by the Office National des Forêts (ONF) to combat erosion. This natural phenomenon, exacerbated by the repeated passage of visitors, threatens biodiversity and the stability of soils and rocks. The staircase not only protects the landscape, but also provides safe access to this scenic jewel.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of November 18 to 24, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Paris Region in November 2024? Our tips and ideas for outings
• Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings

Formed millions of years ago, the Apremont Gorge is a remarkable natural spectacle. Once a desert area, they have been transformed into a verdant setting where flora and fauna thrive under the protection of conservation initiatives. As you stroll along, admire the moss-covered rocks, ferns and pines that characterize this unique landscape.

Our route is marked by yellow stripes, which are everywhere, so there's little chance of getting lost (unless you're color-blind...). If the famous stairs are downhill, you'll still have to climb back up through rocky landscapes, but don't worry, the slope is gentle and easy.

To enhance your experience, the Balade Branchée app suggests other routes to discover in the region. And, as a nature lover, it goes without saying to follow good forest practices, such as respecting the flora and fauna, keeping the area clean and taking care when visiting to ensure the forest is protected. For the more adept, there's another blue trail, often adjoining the yellow trail, to take you further. You can download the trail GPS and roadbook if required.

This walk is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature, and become aware of the importance of actions to preserve natural landscapes. We salute the efforts of the ONF and the Amis de la Forêt de Fontainebleau (AFF) to maintain this accessible site, part of our natural heritage.

In short, if you're looking for a nice, accessible walk, a stone's throw from Fontainebleau, with respect for the surrounding nature, this is a little hike we'd recommend. A real breath of fresh air.