Nestled between the Bois-le-Roi and Fontainebleau-Avon railway stations lies a unique and mysterious railway stop that gives adventurers direct access to the heart of the Fontainebleau forest.
Officially named "Fontainebleau-Forêt", this railway stop is not on any official SNCF map, and remains unknown even to some railway staff. Its minimalist platform is a simple gravel-covered embankment, equipped with a mirror to allow the driver to control the descent of passengers.
To take advantage of this secret gateway to the forest, you need to know 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 the 9.16am, on the Transilien R line to Montargis. For a successful descent, it's essential to be at the head of the train, as only descent is permitted at this stop. Note that it's not possible to get on, so you'll need to plan your return journey via the Bois-le-Roi or Fontainebleau-Avon stations.
As you descend to this mysterious stopover, you'll immediately find yourself immersed in an exceptional natural environment. An impressive 300 kilometers of marked trails wind their way through climbing sites that attract climbers from all over the world. The diversity of the landscapes that surround you is simply breathtaking. For hiking enthusiasts, I particularly recommend two routes: the impressive Gorges d'Apremont circuit, a 22 km hike that will keep you busy for around 5h30, or the more accessible Hauteurs de Fontainebleau, a 12.8 km loop that can be completed in 3 hours.
The Fontainebleau forest, classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is home to over 1,200 plant and animal species. Its varied landscapes alternate between rocky chaos, plains, heather moors and mysterious ponds.
Ready to discover this well-kept secret of the Fontainebleau forest? Don't wait any longer to plan your next excursion! To make planning easier, I recommend downloading the AllTrails hiking app and consulting the train timetables on the SNCF website. A wonderful day of adventure awaits you in the heart of this magical forest!
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