SYNOPSIS
A trail that blends nature, history, and adventure, from Torcy to Chelles, passing through lakes, parks, historic sites and riverside views.
WHY GO?
The Vallée de la Marne is a hidden gem near Paris. Just 30 minutes from center town, this area offers a tranquil getaway without venturing far. It offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation, where historic bridges and charming landscapes create a peaceful escape. Six interconnected lakes are ideal for walking, fishing, and photography.
Discover the Menier family estate , old owners of the chocolate factory that became the largest producer of chocolate in France, nowadays part of Pac Noisiel it has amenities the Grotte aux Ours, creeks and goats debris. Close to the state we would have a glance of historic workers’ village , once home to employees of the Menier Chocolate Factory, with traditional architecture, and learn about the social innovations of the 19th century.
Réserve Naturelle Régionale des Îles de Chelles is a protected nature reserve with 5 hectares of islands in the Marne River, the historic canal that enhances the beauty of the Marne River, 53 bird species, including the kingfisher and wagtail. Features rare plant species, such as the Cardamine and Grande cuscute.
Ruins of Vieux Moulin de Chelles, its channel and passarelle bridge, its picturesque pedestrian bridge, with Ruins of the Moulin de Chelles, adding a historical touch. crossing the Marne, offering stunning views.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MANY HIGHLIGHTS?
-� Étangs Network of Lognes, Torcy, and Noisiel: Explore six interconnected lakes surrounded by tranquil walking paths, teeming with wildlife and offering breathtaking waterscapes.
-� Village Ouvrier de Noisiel: Step into a historical workers’ village built for employees of the Menier Chocolate Factory , a key piece of France’s industrial heritage.
-� Parc de Noisiel: A 90-hectare English-style park featuring ancient trees, wetland areas, and remnants of the Menier family estate, perfect for an immersive nature experience.
-� Menier Chocolate Factory: Discover the iconic Moulin Saulnier , a stunning Art Nouveau industrial masterpiece , and learn about the Menier family’s legacy in French chocolate-making.
-� Barrage de Noisiel: Admire this historic dam from 1884 , designed to regulate the Marne River , offering scenic riverside views and a glimpse into industrial innovation.
-� Canal de Chelles & Passerelle du Moulin: Walk along the picturesque Chelles Channel , crossing the charming pedestrian bridge that offers panoramic views.
-� Vieux Moulin Park: A peaceful green retreat to end the trail, filled with walking paths, picnic spots, and views of the historic Chelles mill ruins .
WHAT IS THE DETAILED PLAN?
Start: Torcy RER Station → Étangs Network de Lognesand Torcy �
-Begin your journey at Torcy Station and head toward the Étangs network of Lognes .
-Enjoy the serene lakes , including Étang des Ibis and Étang du Maubuée , perfect for a peaceful start.
Étangs de Lognes → Village Ouvrier de Noisiel �
-Stop at the historic workers’ village , once home to employees of the Menier Chocolate Factory .
-Admire the traditional architecture and learn about the social innovations of the 19th century.
Village Ouvrier → Barrage de Noisiel �
-Cross the Marne River and admire the Barrage de Noisiel, a historic dam built in 1884–1887.
-Enjoy riverside views and spot local wildlife along the banks.
Barrage de Noisiel → Parc de Noisiel �
-Discover the Menier Chocolate Factory , an architectural gem from the 19th century
- Follow the Chelles Channel, a scenic waterway parallel to the Marne River.
- Walk across the Passerelle du Moulin de Chelles, a charming pedestrian bridge.
Parc de Noisiel → Canal de Chelles �
-Walk through meadows, creeks, woods, and wetlands at Noisiel Park, a 90-hectare English-style park with ancient trees and scenic trails, deeply tied to the legacy of the Menier family and their famous chocolate factory.
Finish: Canal de Chelles → Vieux Moulin Park → Chelles RER Station �
-Explore Vieux Moulin Park and Bridge , a green escape, and walking trails a side from the Canal de Chelles .
-Arrive at Chelles RER Station , marking the end of your journey.
TRIP DETAILS
Starting time & location: � RER A Torcy Station – Meet your local guide at 10 A M
Finishing time & location: � RER E Chelles Station – End of the journey at 3 PM
Hiking Distance: 11-12 km depending on the groups march pace and alternative trails we could take due to weather. Note: Based on Energy levels we can add more hikes as well as remove some of the hikes
Hiking Difficulty: Easy / moderate – hiking at relaxed pace on well-marked paths, easy to moderate elevation, sure-footedness & moderate fitness required for 3-4 hrs 11.3 km march. Some more challenging alternative trails could be taken at Noisiel Park woods according to the group pace and fitness.
What is Included?
-Community guide for the entire trip (Guide speaks English). Note: English is the main language spoken on this trip.
-Guided walking tour with historic and relevant ecosystems insights .
-Access to a dedicated whatsapp group for this event to connect with other trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to whatsapp group in the ticket).
-Access to a shared Google photo album where you can share & view all amazing pictures & videos from the trip (link to google photos album in the whatsapp group description)
- Optional Add-On (can be bought while purchasing tickets or even later as well).Train Ticket from Paris at 2.5 EUR each way
How to get to the Starting Point TORCY RER Station?
-Board the RER A at Châtelet–Les Halles in the direction of Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy.
-Stay on the train for approximately 30 minutes (Torcy is about 26 km away).
-Get off at Torcy Station—the train runs every 10 minutes, making it a reliable option.
-Ticket Cost: Around €2,5 EUR
WHAT IS NEXT ?
- WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
- Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
- Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.
WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?
To go through our amazing reviews (over 250+ 5 star reviews in Google) by participants, please click on the links below:
- Google Reviews
- Facebook reviews
- Trustpilot reviews
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:
-Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
-Urbanature Travel (UNT) reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
-UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?
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-EMAIL: Reach out to us on
Y29udGFjdCB8IHVyYmFudHVyZXRyYXZlbCAhIGNvbQ== or by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
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Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Torcy, Arts events in Torcy.
