The Gorges d'Apremont Circuit is a 9.5 km loop through one of the most celebrated landscapes in the Fontainebleau Forest, located in the Seine-et-Marne department of Île-de-France. The trailhead is at Parking de la Croix de Guignon near Barbizon, reached from Paris by Transilien train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (approximately 40 minutes, around €8.70) then Bus Ligne R towards Milly-la-Forêt, alighting at Barbizon after roughly 20 minutes (approximately €2). Car access is straightforward via the A6 motorway; free parking is available at the village edge. No permit is needed to enter the forest. The circuit covers 9.5 km with 140 m of total ascent, making it a moderate-grade outing suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness. Terrain alternates between sandy forest paths, open heathland, and the characteristic weathered sandstone boulder fields that give the gorges their dramatic character. The rocky plateaus offer little shade and sun protection is advisable in summer. Several short scrambling moves across low sandstone outcrops require sure-footedness and occasional use of hands but are not technically demanding. Key landmarks include the Gorges d'Apremont themselves — a sequence of sculpted sandstone formations rising above silver birch and Scots pine woodland — and a panoramic viewpoint at the crest of the main plateau, where views reach across the Barbizon plain toward the Seine valley. The Carrefour de Barbizon junction at the mid-loop point offers a shortcut back for those seeking a reduced outing of approximately 5 km. The full circuit completes its loop back to Parking de la Croix de Guignon via the open Plaine de Barbizon. No drinking water sources exist anywhere on the route and there are no refuge huts or staffed facilities. All water must be carried from the start. The trail is marked with blue-and-white blazes as part of the GR1 long-distance path network. An offline copy of IGN map sheet 2417OT, downloadable via the IGN Rando app, is recommended as mobile signal is intermittent within the forest interior. The exposed sandstone crests can become hazardous during afternoon thunderstorms in summer; checking Météo-France forecasts before departure is advisable.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Fontainebleau Forest, Seine-et-Marne
- Best season
- Year-round; best March–May and September–November
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail shoes
- Water (no sources on route)
- Trail map (download offline on IGN Rando app)
- Sunscreen in summer
Location
Parking de la Croix de Guignon, 77760 Barbizon, France
48.4210, 2.5863 View on map
Highlights
- Sculpted sandstone gorges with dramatic formations carved by millennia of erosion above a carpet of heather and Scots pine
- Panoramic plateau viewpoint with sweeping views across the Barbizon plain toward the Seine valley
- Seasonal wildlife including roe deer, wild boar, and raptors soaring above the open heathland
- Direct proximity to Barbizon village — founding site of the 19th-century Barbizon School of landscape painting
- GR1 long-distance trail connection enabling extension routes across the wider Fontainebleau Forest
Tips for visiting
- Start by 9:00 on weekends — the gorges attract large numbers of day-trippers from Paris by mid-morning
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water; there are no drinking sources anywhere on the 9.5 km circuit
- Download the IGN Rando offline tile for sheet 2417OT before leaving; mobile signal is unreliable in the forest
- Wear trail shoes with firm grip — sandy descent paths and sandstone boulders become slippery after rain
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August on the exposed plateaus; monitor Météo-France before departure
When to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best conditions — mild temperatures, firm ground underfoot, and excellent light for photography. Summer weekends are heavily crowded and heat on the exposed plateaus can be intense; an early morning start is strongly advised from June to August.
Accessibility
The Gorges d'Apremont Circuit is not wheelchair accessible. The trail crosses sandy, uneven terrain and requires scrambling over exposed sandstone boulders in several sections. Pushchairs and mobility aids cannot navigate the gorges. Visitors with limited mobility may access the flat forest paths immediately around the Barbizon village car park without venturing onto the circuit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Barbizon by public transport from Paris?
Take a Transilien train from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon (around 40 minutes, approximately €8.70 each way), then Bus Ligne R towards Milly-la-Forêt and alight at Barbizon after roughly 20 minutes (approximately €2). Services run roughly hourly on weekdays and Saturdays.
Is the Gorges d'Apremont Circuit suitable for children?
The route suits confident children aged 8 and over who are comfortable scrambling on low sandstone boulders. The rocky plateau sections require some use of hands. The circuit is not suitable for pushchairs or young children who tire easily over the full 9.5 km distance.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are permitted in Fontainebleau Forest but must be kept on a lead in designated sensitive biological zones, particularly between February and July to protect nesting birds. Sensitive zones are posted at the Barbizon trailhead.
Is there any entry fee for Fontainebleau Forest?
Access to the forest trails is free of charge. Parking in Barbizon is generally free. Entry to Château de Fontainebleau, if visited separately, requires a separate ticket.
What should I do if caught in a thunderstorm on the exposed plateau?
Descend immediately from the sandstone crests and seek shelter below the ridge among the trees, avoiding isolated pines. Afternoon thunderstorms are most frequent June through August; checking Météo-France before departure is strongly advisable.