"Hiking, at our age, there is nothing better to keep fit!" So speak René, 83, and Christiane, 87. Good foot good eye, the couple is among the 3,200 walkers registered for the Tour de Seine-et-Marne organized by the Departmental Committee of hiking (Coderando 77).
From March 4 to July 8, 650 km divided into 40 stages on marked paths are proposed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association. A pillar in the world of hikers because it has 6,000 members, federates 84 associations in the department and maintains nearly 5,000 km of trails. We owe him in particular the organization of the famous Rando des 3 châteaux (with Seine-et-Marne Attractivité) which attracted 15,000 participants this year.
The routes of this Tour de Seine-et-Marne are offered on weekends, sometimes also on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. "People come according to the weather and their availability. Our ambition is to discover all facets of the department in a friendly and festive atmosphere," explains Frédéric Montoya, president of Coderando 77. Walking has the wind in its sails. "According to a survey conducted by Seine-et-Marne Attractivité, outdoor hiking is 81% acclaimed by the 3,700 people surveyed!" he enthuses.
Pontault-Combault, June 3, 2023. Christiane, 87, and René, 83, have done all the steps so far! "There's nothing better than hiking to keep fit!" says René.
At the finish of the 32nd stage (Roissy-en-Brie-Pontault-Combault) of a dozen kilometers, on June 3rd, the participants are delighted and the finish drink proposed by the local club pleases everyone. Former Paris firefighter, René has ensured all the steps since the beginning with his wife Christiane.
"It's a cure for gloom"
Just like Nicole, 76, and Jean-Pierre, 77, from Bougligny, near Nemours. "We slept in the hotel and even in our car to keep up!" says Nicole. Both are delighted with their discovery of the north of the department, "the former chocolate factory of Noisiel, the site of the Olympic Games in Vaires-sur-Marne ... »
Pontault-Combault, June 3, 2023. Aged 64, Annie, from Provins, has already followed 27 stages out of 32. Her daughter Audrey, 35, participates when she's not working. LP/Sophie Bordier
Same opinion of Annie, 64, of Provins. "It's an opportunity to discover new sites. We rarely go hiking in the north of Seine-et-Marne. I also really liked Grez-sur-Loing and Château-Landon in the South." With a friend, Brigitte, 66, they participated in 27 stages out of 32. "In the meantime, we have travelled a section of the Camino de Santiago, about 280 km between Figeac (Lot) and Lectoure (Gers). Hence this hole of five stages in our tour of Seine-et-Marne! ", assures the sexagenarian who aligns 3,000 km by, between her club provinois and her own hikes.
His daughter Audrey, 35, participated with him in this 32nd stage with great pleasure. "Hiking is really a cure for gloom! Too bad there is a lack of communication with young people because the organization is really well managed. Everything is free. The atmosphere is friendly! »
On July 8th, Fontainebleau promises a beautiful arrival
The discoveries are cultural such as the guided tour of the Merovingian crypt and the abbey in Jouarre, but also gourmet such as the tasting of Brie de Coulommiers at the cheese fair of the same name that day or apple juice from Michel Biberon in Verdelot.
Some participants were unaware that Pontault-Combault borders four forest areas. "Our city is surrounded by the forest of Ferrières, the wood of Célie, the forest Notre-Dame and the wood Saint-Martin! ", says Jean-Noël Houdemond, recalling that the partner municipality of Coderando 77 has carried out two urban walks of 10 km each and is preparing a project of green and wooded flow to cross the city from east to west.
Among the next stages, that of June 10 plans to link Ozoir-la-Ferrière to Brie-Comte-Robert (21 km), that of June 11 Brie to Moissy-Cramayel (20 km), that of June 17 Moissy to Savigny-le-Temple (18 km) and that of June 18 Savigny to Pringy (19 km). The very last stage on July 8 will link Samois-sur-Seine to Fontainebleau (16 km) with a beautiful finish Place de la République, opposite the Tourist Office. To your shoes!
Information and registration on www.randonnee-77.com