Varreddes lies at an altitude of 52 metres and is surrounded by water. A loop of the Canal de l’Ourcq runs north of the village and meets the Marne to the south on both sides. The local trails explore this landscape in different ways: some take you around the commune, while others lead on longer hikes or connect Varreddes with a neighbouring village. When planning, it is therefore worth checking the route length and the character described for each trail.
Trails between the canal, the Marne and the hills
The towpath between Congis-sur-Thérouanne and the Maladrie Bridge in Varreddes is also part of the GR 1B long-distance trail. Near Meaux, this trail connects the GR 1 “Tour de Paris” with the GR 11 “Grand Tour de Paris” near Lizy-sur-Ourcq. The section in Varreddes is therefore part of a route linking these two long-distance trails.
There are other clearly distinct options for shorter and longer outings. The 3 km Parcours vitalité links Varreddes’s four vitality areas and is open to everyone year-round. The 10 km Parcours la Ravetonne is designed for exploring the surrounding area on a more challenging hike. The 15 km Parcours entre deux eaux leads to the hills of Varreddes, with views of the surrounding area along the way. The steep trails are considered very challenging. This means there is a shorter route linking four areas, alongside two longer hikes whose character is also described.
Signposted walking trails start at Place Charles de Gaulle, opposite the town hall. They are intended for exercise and for discovering the commune and its surroundings. Another option is the “Marne et canal à Varreddes” walk, which passes through Varreddes and Germigny-l’Évêque and follows the banks of the Marne for some stretches. It is free and accessible every day of the year from 0:00 to 23:59; parking is available and dogs are allowed. Before setting out, it is worth briefly checking the local access conditions.
Saint-Arnould and the history of the village
The Church of Saint-Arnould offers a tangible insight into the local heritage. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 22 August 1949. Saint Arnoul is considered the church’s first patron saint. The oldest sculptural work depicting Saint Arnoul in Varreddes dates from the 14th century: a limestone statue of a bishop.
Different materials can also be distinguished at the portal. The jambs and archivolts are made of Varreddes stone, while the tympanum is made of fine Parisian limestone. Another historical reference is the Battle of the Marne, during which Varreddes was at the centre of the fighting. The church, statue and portal thus connect several specific aspects of the village’s history, while the battle places the village in a broader historical context.
Durum wheat and farm-made pasta
La Ferm’ Meaux Pâtes grows durum wheat around Varreddes and turns it into artisan farm-made pasta. Fresh pasta is available at the shop, to order or at markets. If you have a particular way of buying in mind, check the current arrangements in advance. Growing and processing durum wheat adds a tangible food-related element to the trails and church.
Discover more destinations: Samois-Sur-Seine, Saint-Germain-Laval, Esbly, Lésigny, Isles-Lès-Villenoy, Beautheil, Vulaines-sur-Seine, Saint-Ouen-en-Brie
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
