Discover the Ridge Trail in Recloses: rocky ridges, hidden ponds, and a stunning white sand quarry in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest.

On Sunday, I set out with friends to discover the Ridge Trail, starting from Recloses.
There’s a small parking lot near the trailhead, but keep your eyes open: the entrance is discreet, almost hidden. It’s easy to walk right past without noticing!

Along the ridges

As its name suggests, the trail follows ridgelines, with climbs that range from gentle to a bit challenging.
All along the hike, breathtaking viewpoints open up, revealing landscapes that seem to shift with every step — serene, almost as if they belonged in The Lord of the Rings.
At times, you half expect fairies or other enchanted figures to emerge from behind the rocks…

Between ponds and rocks

Our route led us past several hidden ponds tucked into the greenery, and endless stretches of sandstone boulders.

The highlight: a sea of white sand

And then, at a bend in the path, the surprise: a vast white sand quarry.
Yes, the famous sand I’ve mentioned in previous posts.
So pure that its brilliance was visible from afar.
A vision almost lunar in its strangeness, lying quietly in the heart of the forest.

For nature lovers, this trail is a true gem.
As for me, I savored every moment — especially in this season, when the light makes every detail shine.