Nestled between the Bois-le-Roi and Fontainebleau-Avon stations lies a unique and mysterious railway stop that gives adventurers direct access to the heart of the Fontainebleau forest.
An extraordinary stop
Officially named "Fontainebleau-Forêt", this railway station 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 control the descent of passengers.
How to get there
To make the most of this secret gateway to the forest, you should be aware that the stop is only served on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. There are two trains departing from Paris Gare de Lyon: the 8.16am and the 9.16am, on the Transilien R line to Montargis. For a successful descent, it is essential to be at the head of the train, as you can only get off at this stop. Note that it is not possible to get on at this stop, so you will need to plan your return journey carefully via Bois-le-Roi or Fontainebleau-Avon stations.
A gateway to adventure
As you descend to this mysterious stopover, you'll immediately find yourself immersed in an exceptional natural environment. An impressive network of 300 kilometres of waymarked trails winds its 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 22km hike that will take you around 5h30, or the more accessible Hauteurs de Fontainebleau, a 12.8km loop that can be completed in 3 hours.
A unique ecosystem
The Forest of Fontainebleau, 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 chaos, plains, heather moors and mysterious pools.
Adventure is yours!
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!