Bourron-Marlotte, France 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive & Check-in

Arrive in the charming village of Bourron-Marlotte and check into your accommodation.

Settle in and prepare for your family adventure.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and get acquainted with the village.

Skateboard Park Playground Fun

Let the kids burn off some energy at the local Skateboard Park playground, which has a fenced area for younger children and a large open field for running around.

Great for the dog too!

Bring a ball for the open field. Picnic tables are available if you want to bring snacks.

Evening Village Stroll

Take a relaxed walk through the picturesque streets of Bourron-Marlotte, admiring the local architecture and artist studios.

The village has a rich history as an artists' colony.

Look out for plaques indicating former residences of famous artists.

Family Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant in Bourron-Marlotte or prepare a meal at your accommodation.

Check local restaurant opening times, especially on a Saturday evening. Reservations are recommended.

Kawak Canoë Adventure

Head to Kawak Canoë in Bagneaux-sur-Loing for a fantastic family canoeing experience on the Loing River.

This spot is explicitly dog-friendly and offers a lovely swimming area, perfect for cooling off and observing wildlife.

Remember sunscreen, hats, water, and waterproof bags. Wear appropriate swimwear. Book your canoes in advance, especially for a Sunday in August.

Riverside Picnic

Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch by the scenic Loing River after your canoeing adventure.

Find a shady spot to relax and soak in nature.

Pack sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of drinks. Don't forget treats for the dog!

Relaxed Afternoon

Return to Bourron-Marlotte for a relaxed afternoon.

Perhaps some quiet time at the accommodation, reading, or light play with the kids.

An ideal time for napping for younger children or enjoying the garden at your accommodation.

Dinner Out

Dine at a family-friendly restaurant in Bourron-Marlotte or nearby Nemours, a charming town with more dining options.

Many restaurants close on Sunday evenings in smaller towns, so check in advance or consider preparing a meal.

Denecourt Tower Hike

Embark on an easy family hike to Denecourt Tower and Croix du Calvaire in the Fontainebleau Forest.

This 2.2-7 km walk offers panoramic views and is perfect for kids and dogs (on leash).

Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and snacks. Look for the numbered trails that are well-marked. Parking available at various points around the forest.

Lunch in Fontainebleau

Grab a quick and casual lunch in Fontainebleau town center.

There are many bakeries and cafes perfect for families.

Try a traditional French baguette sandwich or quiche from a local boulangerie.

Château de Fontainebleau Gardens

Explore the expansive and beautiful gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau.

While dogs are not allowed inside the Château, the grounds are perfect for kids to run and play. The Jardins Anglais and Grand Parterre offer vast open spaces.

Entry to the gardens is free. Consider a miniature train ride around the grounds if available (check dog policy). There's also a playground within the grounds near the carp pond.

Relaxed Evening

Enjoy a relaxed evening back in Bourron-Marlotte.

Perhaps pick up some local produce for a home-cooked dinner.

Monday evening might have fewer restaurant options, making a home-cooked meal a great choice.

Gorges d'Apremont Hike

Explore the unique rocky landscapes of the Gorges d'Apremont in Fontainebleau Forest.

This approximately 6 km trail is great for a family stroll, with fun rock formations for kids to discover. Alternatively, consider the Gorges de Franchard for another fantastic easy loop.

Ensure proper footwear for varied terrain. Keep dogs on a leash, especially near trails with drops or sensitive ecosystems.

Lunch in Barbizon

Enjoy lunch in the picturesque village of Barbizon, famous for its association with Impressionist painters.

Many cafes offer outdoor seating.

Barbizon can be popular; try to arrive early for lunch or make a reservation.

Barbizon Village Circuit

Take an easy 2-hour walking circuit starting from the charming village of Barbizon.

Explore the artists' houses, galleries, and the forest trails directly accessible from the village.

Visit the Barbizon School Museum if time and interest allow (check dog policy beforehand, likely not allowed inside).

Evening & Dinner

Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

Perhaps a board game night or a movie after dinner.

Consider picking up some local cheeses and bread for a simple and delicious dinner.

Apikopa Canoeing Experience

Enjoy another day on the Loing River with Apikopa, offering various routes from Grez-sur-Loing, Episy, or Moret-sur-Loing.

Their canoes typically fit two adults with an additional child's seat in the middle, ideal for your family.

Choose a different route from your first canoeing trip to see more of the beautiful river and surrounding villages. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the river.

Lunch & Explore Moret-sur-Loing

After your canoeing, have lunch in the charming medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing.

Explore its picturesque streets, impressive ramparts, and Impressionist connections.

Moret-sur-Loing is known for its beautiful sugar barley sweets – a treat for the kids!

Gymnase André Poirier Playground

Spend some final dedicated play time at the Gymnase André Poirier playground in Bourron-Marlotte.

It features sand, slides, a train, picnic tables, and climbing boulders near the forest.

A great spot for the kids to let loose one last time before wrapping up this chunk of the trip.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner at a beloved local spot or try a restaurant you haven't visited yet, celebrating your week of adventures.

Consider revisiting a favorite or trying a highly-rated local restaurant for your last evening.

Hike Gorges de Franchard

Embark on an easy, family-friendly loop hike through the Gorges de Franchard, a beautiful area of Fontainebleau Forest. Perfect for children (5 and 8) and includes unique rock formations and forest paths. Your dog will love exploring the scents and varied terrain.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks. Keep your dog on a leash as appropriate to protect local wildlife.

Lunch in Fontainebleau

Enjoy a casual lunch at a dog-friendly cafe with an outdoor terrace or a picnic in a park in Fontainebleau town after your morning hike.

Château Gardens & Play

Spend the afternoon exploring the expansive and beautiful gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau. The kids will have plenty of space to run and play in the fresh air. There's also a lovely fenced playground within the grounds, and your dog is generally allowed in the gardens on a leash.

Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a leash, but not inside the Château itself. Check for the miniature train ride operating schedule if interested.

Bourron-Marlotte Playground

Let the kids unwind and burn off any remaining energy at a local playground in Bourron-Marlotte, such as the Gymnase André Poirier playground with its slides, train, and climbing boulders.

A perfect way to wind down the day for younger ones.

Dinner in Bourron-Marlotte

Enjoy a final family dinner in Bourron-Marlotte, perhaps at a charming local restaurant that welcomes families and dogs on its terrace.

Kawak Canoë on Loing River

Enjoy a fun and dog-friendly canoeing experience on the Loing River with Kawak Canoë.

Your kids will love paddling and spotting wildlife, and the dog can join in the adventure. There's often a lovely swimming area nearby for a refreshing dip.

Book your canoe in advance, especially in August. Bring sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. Ensure life vests are available for everyone, including children. This location is explicitly dog-friendly.

Riverside Lunch

Have a relaxed lunch near the Loing River after your canoeing adventure.

Enjoy a picnic by the water or a casual eatery in one of the charming riverside villages like Bagneaux-sur-Loing or Nemours.

Stroll in Barbizon

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Barbizon, known for its artists and beautiful streets.

It's a pleasant walk with picturesque views and small galleries. You can also find accessible paths leading into the forest from here for a short, easy walk.

Many galleries might be closed by this time, but the village itself is lovely for a walk with the family and dog. Parking available.

Leisure & Departure Prep

Enjoy some free time for relaxation, last-minute souvenir shopping, or begin packing and preparing for your departure tomorrow.

Let the kids have some final play time at the accommodation or a local park.

Farewell Dinner

Savor a final farewell dinner with your family, reflecting on your wonderful week in Bourron-Marlotte and the Fontainebleau region.