Walks and bike rides around Écrosnes
The journal
Écrosnes, in the Eure-et-Loir, lies between Chartres and Rambouillet, on the edge of the Voise valley. Around our houses, several loops of 3.4 to 7.4 km can be walked, and the Véloscénie cycle route passes through Épernon and Maintenon.
Walking for the pleasure of it
Here, nobody hikes for performance. You walk to listen to the birds, follow a stream, watch the light glide across the plain.
Right opposite the houses, the horses of the Giroudet stables graze on 20 hectares of meadows. They’re often the first hello of the day.
The “Vers Giroudet” loop (3.7 km)
This is the closest walk, the one that bears the name of our hamlet.
- Start: Écrosnes cemetery car park
- Distance: 3.7 km, about 1 hr 10 min
- Elevation gain: 32 m
- Level: easy
The route climbs the rue de la Harpe and then the rue de Giroudet, follows the valley path to a little bridge, then runs along the Ocre stream. It crosses the route de Giroudet and returns to the village through the fields, skirting the farm and the cemetery. Regulars describe it as a quiet, little-used outing, with wild birds along the way.
The “Souvenirs de village” discovery trail (4 km)
Starting from 2 rue de la Libération in Écrosnes, this 4 km trail is dotted with stations telling the story of life in days gone by, with everyday objects to illustrate it. A walk to share as a family, giving children as many questions to ask as it gives grandparents memories to share. Dogs are welcome.
The Voise valley, at Gallardon
The Ocre rises in Écrosnes and joins the Voise at Gallardon, the neighbouring town. The Voise itself runs for 33 km before flowing into the Eure at Pierres, near Maintenon.
At Gallardon, three ideas for a walk:
- La Vallée de la Voise: 7.4 km, about 2 hr 20 min, a loop listed by the Eure-et-Loir tourism board (IGN map 2116E).
- L’Épaule de Gallardon: 6 km, about 1 hr 55 min, easy. The medieval town, its half-timbered houses and the Épaule keep.
- Along the Louis XIV canal: 3.4 km, about 1 hr, almost flat. The path follows the old canal, crosses Pont-sous-Gallardon and passes its wash house.
Further afield, on foot
- The Drouette, between Épernon and Nigelles: 15 km, about 4 hr 30 min, moderate.
- A loop on the GR 655, the Way of St James: 12 km from Saint-Martin-de-Nigelles, along the Drouette.
- The park of the château de Rambouillet: an easy 7.3 km loop, suitable for families.
By bike: the Véloscénie
The Véloscénie links Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel. Two of its stages pass close by.
- Épernon → Maintenon: 17 km along quiet little roads, through the Drouette and Eure valleys.
- Maintenon → Chartres: 20 km, 70% on shared roads and 30% on cycle paths, with a greenway from Saint-Prest to Chartres. Along the way, the Maintenon aqueduct, then the cathedral at the end of the road.
Good news for those coming by train: the Paris–Chartres TER carries non-folded bikes free of charge. For a sportier ride, a road loop of nearly 30 km from Sonchamp crosses the Rambouillet forest and skirts its ponds.
Our tips
- Take water and a hat: the plain offers little shade in summer.
- Respect the crops and stay on the paths.
- Keep your dog on a lead near the meadows and the horses.
- Download the route or take the IGN map before setting off.
Coming back
After the walk, the sauna awaits guests of Maison Raphaël and Villa Marceau all year round. From May to the end of September, the indoor pool, its water unheated, refreshes tired legs. For guests of Maison Auguste, the private garden and its barbecue are just waiting to be lit.