In a previous post, I covered one of my favorite routes to Fontainebleau, with a train ride back to Paris. Here, I’m sharing a slightly different route that adds a few extra kilometers and brings you back to Paris entirely by bike.
While the route down isn’t exactly the same as the one I previously mentioned, this is still a classic route from Paris to Fontainebleau, combined with a direct return. If you have the time and energy, riding a round trip to Fontainebleau is a fantastic option. The route is mostly flat, and you’ll enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way.
The route leaves Paris via the Marne and eventually cuts down to the Forêt de Sénart. Winding through more forested areas and then following the river, it passes through Melun and continues all the way to Fontainebleau.
You’ll reach Fontainebleau after about 90 km, which is the perfect time to refuel before tackling the remaining 70 km. Be sure to swing by the château for the obligatory photo before grabbing a quick bite from one of the many boulangeries or restaurants in town. One thing this route misses is the stunning Pont de Moret-sur-Loing. If you have an extra 20 km in your legs, you could easily add it to the route.
Leaving Fontainebleau, you cut through the forest, reversing part of my favorite route, which takes you through the amazing forests between Fontainebleau and Barbizon. While the route does pass through the beautiful town of Barbizon, the main street is one-way in the opposite direction, so you miss out on the full charm of the town. If you’ve never been before, it’s worth doubling back to experience it.
To keep the distance manageable, there are a few sections of light gravel on the return, but they’re easily handled by a road bike with 28mm tires—so no need to worry. Most of the gravel is on the Allée Royale through Sénart. It’s honestly smoother than some of the paved roads on this route, though be warned: if it’s wet, it can get a bit slippery.
After Sénart, to further reduce the distance, it’s a straight shot along the river through the city. While this section isn’t the most scenic, it’s safe in terms of traffic. If you’re up for more distance, you can always jump back onto the reverse of the beginning of the route. All things considered, slogging through 30 minutes of city riding over the course of a 6+ hour ride isn’t a big deal.
If you’re looking for a longer out-and-back ride from Paris, this is a great route. For even more distance, there are a few options to add on, or if you want to take it easy, you could break it up over two days and spend the night in Fontainebleau or Barbizon.
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