Nemours to Grez-sur-Loing

1. Summer 2008 Nemours to Grez-sur-Loing

2. We began our walk in the centre of Nemours. Steps lead down from the Rue de Paris bridge to a road which runs along the East bank of the river. The first part of the walk runs alongside residential properties. The road separates the houses from their attractive riverside gardens.

3. Further along, a surprise. I don’t remember that bridge being here in 1985! A resident later confirmed this. It carries the D240.Houses still line the walk. As you progress they become less obvious and set back further from the water you are but never too far from civilisation.

4. Heading out of town now. The bridge in the distance carries the A6 “Autoroute du Soleil”.You can see a nice view from the bridge on Google Maps.(Type in “Nemours” and drag the little orange “man” on to the orange road.)

5. This part of the walk is especially beautiful.

6. By now the river Loing has branched off to the left. The canal and river run almost parallel for many miles until they merge again just before meeting the Seine. The path follows the canal.In 1985 I crossed the footbridge and got hopelessly lost, so we stuck to the path this time!

7. Past halfway now.

8. The village of Montcourt-Fromonville is reached. A bar beside the bridge offers much-needed refreshment!You turn left here for the road to Grez.

9. Between Montcourt and Grez there is a quiet country park with lakes. I did not have time to explore it.

10. Entering Grez-sur-Loing from the East along Rue Carl Larsson. There are playing fields to the left of this beautiful avenue and a campsite to the right.

11. An impressive old bridge crosses the Loing and takes you into the village. This is looking North.

12. Looking South. The trees on the right are somewhere near the foot of Delius’s garden.

13. There is a ruined castle in the village. The rooftop of the Delius house is probably just about visible somewhere to the left.

14. Just a short walk further and the destination is reached.Here is the house in which Delius spent much of his life.

15. Descendents of Fred’s beloved swallows darted in and out of the eaves above!I think Fenby mentions the large doors lead to a courtyard.

16. Oh, to be able to explore behind that door!

17. The plaque is a welcome addition to the site. In 1985 there was absolutely nothing to indicate Delius ever lived here.