The GR1, a path around Paris that deserves to be discovered
The GR1 ("Chemin de Grande Randonnée" N°1, long-distance hiking trail N°1), also known as the Tour de l'Île-de-France, is an invitation to discover the natural and historical treasures that border the surroundings of Paris. Created to offer a green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, this hiking trail crosses diverse landscapes and sites steeped in history.
GR1 is part of the famous french national network "Chemins de Grande Randonnée" grouping the most beautiful and marked trails throughout the country.
Historically, the GR1 was designed in the 1950s, being among the first long-distance hiking trails developed in France. Its development was aimed at promoting green tourism and facilitating access to nature for urban residents. Over the decades, this trail has been refined and adapted to offer an ever more rewarding experience, while maintaining the natural spaces it covers.
The GR1 course is a loop of about 540 kilometers that encapsulates the geographical and cultural diversity of the region. Starting from Porte Maillot in Paris, it winds through forests, valleys, and natural parks, offering breathtaking views and moments of rare tranquility. Among the major points of interest, the Montmorency forest is distinguished by its vast wooded areas and its history linked to French royal and imperial figures. It is not uncommon to encounter deer or wild boar there. Further on, crossing the French Vexin Regional Natural Park exposes hikers to a mosaic of agricultural landscapes, punctuated by picturesque villages and archaeological sites.
The GR1 does more than highlight natural beauty. It is also a living testimony to history. Passing through places like the Chevreuse Valley, the trail evokes the stories of the lords and monasteries who shaped the medieval landscape of this region. Each stage of the journey is thus a page of history that is turned, offering hikers unique insights into the past.
Doing the GR1 also means accepting to take the time. Time to walk, of course, but also to reflect, to contemplate and to reconnect with nature. This course is an accessible adventure, requiring moderate preparation while offering the thrill of exploration. Accommodations along the trail, whether rural lodges or campsites, allow total immersion in the environment and promote encounters with residents, who are often ready to share the secrets of their region.
In short, the GR1 is more than just a hiking itinerary. It is a cultural and historical exploration, a means of escape from everyday urban life, and a real treasure of Île-de-France. Whether for history buffs, nature lovers or simply those looking to test their limits, the GR1 offers a varied and deeply rewarding experience. This trail is proof that adventure is often right on our doorstep, just waiting to be discovered.
The itinerary in detail:
The GR1 can be divided between 20 and 30 steps depending on your walking autonomy. A classic breakdown into 29 stages of 15-20 km is as follows:
Stage 1: Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche - La Celle-Saint-Cloud - 20 km
Stage 2: Celle-Saint-Cloud -> Feucherolles — 17 km
Stage 3: Feucherolles -> Vernouillet — 17 km
Stage 4: Vernouillet -> Vigny — 20 km
Stage 5: Vigny -> Marines — 15 km
Stage 6: Marines -> Auvers-Sur-Oise — 20 km
Stage 7: Auvers-Sur-Oise -> L'Isle-d'Adam — 15 km
Stage 8: Isle-d'Adam -> Noisy-sur-Oise — 20 km
Step 9: Noisy-sur-Oise -> Luzarches — 15 km
Stage 10: Luzarches -> Pontarme — 20 km
Stage 11: Pontarme -> Dammartin-en-Goële — 20 km
Stage 12: Dammartin-en-Goële -> Meaux — 20 km
Stage 13: Meaux -> Crécy-la-Chapelle — 20 km
Stage 14: Crécy-la-Chapelle -> La Houssaye-en-Brie —20 km
Stage 15: Houssaye-en-Brie -> Chaumes-en-Brie — 15 km
Stage 16: Chaumes-en-Brie -> Blandy — 20 km
Stage 17: Blandy -> Vaux-le-Pénil — 20 km
Step 18: Vaux-le-Pénil -> Barbizon — 20 km
Stage 19: Barbizon -> Vaudoué — 20 km
Stage 20: Vaudoué -> Malesherbs — 15 km
Stage 21: Malesherbs -> Boutigny-sur-Essonne — 15 km
Stage 22: Boutigny-sur-Essonne -> Janville-sur-Juine — 20 km
Stage 23: Janville-sur-Juine ->Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon — 20 km
Stage 24: Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon -> Dourdan — 20 km
Stage 25: Dourdan -> Bullion — 20 km
Stage 26: Bullion -> Rambouillet — 20 km
Stage 27: Rambouillet -> Saint-Léger-en-Yvelines — 20km
Stage 28: Saint-Léger-en-Yvelines ->Villiers-Saint-Frédéric - 20km
Stage 29: Villiers-Saint-Frédéric -> Feucherolles - 15km
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