Nestled between the Bois-le-Roi and Fontainebleau-Avon stations lies a unique and mysterious railway stop that allows adventurers to access the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest directly.
An extraordinary stop
This railway stop, officially named “Fontainebleau-Forêt”, does not appear on any official SNCF map and remains unknown even to some railway staff. Its minimalist platform consists of a simple embankment covered with gravel, equipped with a mirror allowing the driver to monitor passengers getting off the train.
How to get there
To take advantage of this secret gateway to the forest, it is important to note that the stop is only served on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Two trains departing from Paris Gare de Lyon will take you there: the 8:16am and 9:16am trains on the Transilien R line towards Montargis. For a successful trip, it is essential to sit at the front of the train, as only passengers travelling in one direction are allowed to get off at this stop. Please note that it is not possible to board the train here, so you will need to plan your return journey via the Bois-le-Roi or Fontainebleau-Avon stations.
A gateway to adventure
When you get off at this mysterious stop, you will immediately find yourself immersed in an exceptional natural environment. An impressive network of 300 kilometres of marked trails awaits you, winding through climbing sites that attract climbers from all over the world. The diversity of the landscapes around you is simply breathtaking. For hiking enthusiasts, I particularly recommend two routes: the impressive Gorges d'Apremont circuit, a 22-kilometre hike that will take you about 5½ hours, or the more accessible Hauteurs de Fontainebleau route, a 12.8-kilometre loop that can be completed in 3 hours.
A unique ecosystem
The Fontainebleau Forest, classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is home to more than 1,200 animal and plant species. Its varied landscapes alternate between rocky outcrops, plateaus, heathland and mysterious ponds.
Adventure awaits!
Ready to discover this well-kept secret of the Fontainebleau Forest? Don't wait any longer to plan your next excursion! To make organising your trip easier, I recommend downloading the AllTrails hiking app and checking train timetables on the SNCF website. A wonderful day of adventure awaits you in the heart of this magical forest!