The Banks of the Seine
with a donkey

From Burgundy to Normandy

This hiking route crosses iconic regions such as Côte-d’Or, Île-de-France, and Normandy, alternating between deep forests, peaceful meanders, limestone cliffs, and charming villages.

The trail begins at the source of the Seine, where the river reveals its origins. Along the way, hikers discover authentic rural heritage, with traditional farms, washhouses, and Romanesque churches. Arrival at Châtillon-sur-Seine marks an important stop. This small town in the National Forest Park, dominated by the remains of a medieval castle, offers an ideal cultural break.

Then the river winds through the Burgundian bocages and vineyards before crossing Île-de-France, skirting iconic sites like Paris, where the Seine reveals its most famous monuments — Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre.

Continuing westward, the trail passes through the forests of Saint-Germain and Fontainebleau, then follows the twisting meanders of the river in Normandy, where white chalk cliffs dominate the landscape. The route ends at Le Havre, facing the ocean, where the Seine flows into the English Channel.

An exceptional heritage
Rich in exceptional historical heritage, this long-distance trail follows old river routes, royal castles, medieval abbeys like Jumièges, and characterful villages such as La Roche-Guyon and Giverny, where Monet found his inspiration.

The Seine with a donkey
Accessible for hiking with a donkey, this route alternates towpaths, forest trails, and quiet country roads, offering a smooth and varied itinerary. Between bucolic landscapes, historic remains, and riverbank atmospheres, the GR® 2 invites you to discover the Seine differently, at the pace of nature and history.