Route: GR1 (France)

Submitted by Damien Claro on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 05:47am
Location
France
Distance
541 km
Vertical Gain
6,830 m
Description

 

Route Description – GR1: Tour de l’Île-de-France

The GR1, also known as the “Tour de l’Île-de-France,” is a long-distance hiking trail forming a full loop around the Paris metropolitan region. Spanning approximately 546 km with over 6,800 meters of elevation gain, this route offers a unique exploration of the diverse landscapes, natural parks, and historic towns surrounding the French capital.

Starting and ending at Porte Maillot in western Paris, the trail winds through major forests such as Saint-Germain, Rambouillet, and Fontainebleau, and crosses iconic locations including Provins (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Meaux, and Auvers-sur-Oise (linked to Vincent van Gogh). The GR1 combines urban edges, rural trails, and natural beauty in a continuous, fully marked loop primarily on dirt paths and forest tracks.

Though not mountainous, the route includes rolling hills, technical forest segments, and varied terrain, making it a legitimate challenge for endurance athletes. The GR1 is managed by the French Hiking Federation (FFRandonnée) and marked with white-and-red GR waymarks.

This route is ideal for runners or hikers looking for a long, self-powered journey around one of the most densely populated regions in Europe—without ever entering the city center of Paris.

GR-Infos.com – Reference site for GR routes in France
→ https://www.gr-infos.com/en/gr1.htm

Tracé GPX vérifié basé sur le balisage GR (open-source) :
→ https://us01.z.antigena.com/l/bSHnOkIyvvWZFzjjM0j1W08fDKlWshJ5lHBT8WzL4vgWxikZ6eoSbUhlfr4NuCMwz~kQo8WLe7DfgN-q~3xQwkR_CcLir6xM2Hjl4X58voonlYD57vGW6YRO0ObbPNhCtivcpD~T1eA-4DQzbPuCAAPgaOckAb8q2rm27OiloID_yUD6hhi3Ps5pSvcz3B82tq3-GoPvPcKfzLfDk2-wQRHivAVHDPIszCYEkQSr44n6Z6b-by