Between Gâtinais and Beauce – Seine to the Loire (GR 32)

On the outskirts of Paris, the GR 32 is a fantastic hiking route. Far from the capital’s intense urbanisation, this path plunges you into authentic natural beauty. With plenty of green spaces, this long hike is ideal for those who like to pause and watch deer dart, listen to the wagtail’s song, or overlook a firey sunset.

A bridge between the iconic GR 2 and GR 3, the GR 32 winds over 140 kilometres (87 mi). Starting from Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, you’ll discover the French Gâtinais regional park, more commonly known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Glades’. Halfway along the route, the scenery changes, welcoming you into the Beauce region, with its vast cereal-growing areas.

Finally, after crossing the unfathomable forest of Orléans, you reach the banks of the Loire to touch the end of the GR 32 at the edge of the pretty little village of Chécy. To make it easier to return home, I’ve added a stage to this Collection. After Chécy, you follow a section of the GR 3 to Orléans where public transport is more frequent.

To start this Collection, you can take the RER line D, which serves Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry regularly and daily. On the way back from Orléans, the city centre station connects with Paris Austerlitz station several times a day, all year round.

Inns, hotels, mini-markets and restaurants are numerous along the whole route, except on stage 5 where the GR 32 crosses the Orléans forest. You can plan accommodation for each night, too. If you prefer to sleep under the stars, bivvy bags are tolerated everywhere. However, don't forget to apply certain elementary rules: respect nature, stay close to the marked routes, take your rubbish with you, and don't start fires, especially in the heart of summer.

You can walk the GR 32 year-round. The path is easy throughout, but you should still make sure you’re properly prepared. Winters can be bitter and summers can be scorching. Regardless of the season, hydration is important.

Have a good walk!