Sonchamp walks

A route mainly through forest, with some remarkable trees and a beautiful pond, and a heritage detour through the hamlet of Loireux.

A loop with several faces... You start along a river and a pond. You then climb up a path to cross a section of the Rambouillet Forest where there are some remarkable trees. You finish through reeds and along a pond.

This walk combines nature – with the Rambouillet Forest, the Étangs d’Or and the Étang de la Tour – with architecture – featuring Rambouillet Castle and its islands on the lakes, its grand avenues – and wildlife, including barnacle geese, swans and mallards.

In the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Park, a hike mainly through forest, with a variety of tree species and ponds hidden in the fern undergrowth. The Fontaine Sainte-Anne, which was a place of pilgrimage for many years, is a pleasant spot to stop for a rest.

A circular hike around Rochefort-en-Yvelines. The first circular loop goes north-west into the Bois de Rochefort and then returns to the town centre with a view of the cemetery and the Church of Saint-Gilles-et-de-l'Assomption. The second circular route goes around the village to the south and then east, reaching the Gloriette (river) before temporarily rejoining the route from the first part. The return journey is again through the Bois de Rochefort to reach the starting point at the Carrefour de Luynes. An ideal circular route in May with lily of the valley between the Fief de Belloy and the Butte de la Justice.

A short half-day hike in the forest, with several ponds along the way.

This route is the third of the four sections of the Chemin Charles Péguy. It follows in the footsteps of the poet Charles Péguy, who made two pilgrimages to Chartres (in 1912 and 1913, each lasting four days there and back), celebrated in a poem that has gone down in history. The route alternates between the landscapes of the Beauce region and other, more hilly and charming landscapes that you might not expect.

A walk through the Rambouillet Forest to discover the Étang d’Or, which you’ll come across at a bend in a forest track, and walk all the way round it. This pond is aptly named, as it is so beautiful and peaceful: the perfect setting for daydreaming. You can spot coots, mallards and grey herons. This walk mainly follows theGR®1, marked with red and white signs.

The first part of the route follows the upper reaches of the Orge river in a very bucolic setting. The second part is on a cultivated plateau with extensive views. The end of the route is in the forest, with beautiful trees here and there.

A mostly shaded circular route that takes you through woodland and open countryside, where you’ll encounter charming Limousin cows, before following the course of the Orge river, crossing a small ford (or a footbridge).

A south-north crossing of the Rambouillet and Quatre Piliers forests, from station to station! The route, mainly through forest, is long and requires a good sense of direction for the first half. Several ponds and remarkable trees line the route.

The Rambouillet Forest is one of the largest forests in the Paris region. This section ofthe GR®®1 trailallows you to explore the western part of the forest. It is full of charm and features remarkable sites such as the Chêne de la Pocqueterie oak tree, the Rochers d'Angennes rocks and the Pierre Ardoue stone. The route starts in a town with great cultural potential, including the Château de Rambouillet, the Hermitage, the Laiterie de la Reine and the Chaumière aux Coquillages.

A pleasant little walk to explore the Rambouillet Castle Park and the Bergerie.A walk that allows you to visit either the Bergerie or the Museum located in the Palais du Roi de Rome.

A hike in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, where you can play leapfrog with the Rémarde river. You will encounter old mills, two beautiful churches and an oratory dedicated toSaint Arnoult, patron saint of walkers! You will follow paths along horse pastures or the edge of woods, quiet roads, lanes and footpaths.

Hike through the woods and pretty little villages.

As you wander along the paths of La Celle, you’ll discover this pretty village in the Chevreuse Valley. It’s a short walk, but dotted with viewpoints where you’re sure to stop and admire the scenery.

The undergrowth is dotted with flowers in March and April and there are remarkable trees all along the route.

A pleasant short walk to explore the surroundings of Rambouillet Castle, its park and gardens, as well as other sites to visit such as the Bergerie. A walk that can easily be combined with sightseeing for the whole family. Please note: Before setting off, check the opening hours of the Rambouillet Castle park, as they may vary depending on the season. Moderator's note, October 2021: Bergerie closed, see comments at the bottom of this page

A circular walk through the forest that takes you to the Pont du Diable, a small stone bridge tucked away amongst the trees. This walk, long a favourite with schoolchildren, follows the Route des Hauts Besnières.

A circular loop starting from La Celle-les-Bordes takes you past a resting area for ponies, which delight young Parisians in the city’s parks and gardens.

A long walk through forests, ponds and the banks of the Orge river, passing through the beautiful villages of Sainte-Mesme and Saint-Martin de Bréthancourt. Includes a visit to Dourdan, which you cross via parks and walking trails along the Orge river or the old fortifications, avoiding the suburbs and their buildings.

A circular route of around 2 hours around the hamlet of La Noue in La Celle-les-Bordes, mainly through woodland, allowing you to discover some lovely scenery, ending at the castle and the church.

A circular walk through the heart of the village of Les Bordes, which will allow you to discover its many facets: old houses, gardens, pastures with horses, and the entrance turrets of Château des Bordes.

An easy walk to discover ponds, a beautiful lightning-struck tree and a beautiful viewpoint, all in the Dourdan National Forest, so the route is well shaded. The ground may be muddy in places in wet weather.

A loop west of Rambouillet, alternating between forest and cultivated fields. Several passages along two charming rivers, the Guéville and the Drouette.

A beautiful walk through fields and woodland starting from Gazeran church, offering the chance to see hares, deer and even wallabies. Few elevation changes and well-marked trails; lots of wildlife. Please note that some sections may be very muddy after rain. Updated: December 2023 *

A circular route through the Rambouillet National Forest starting from Gazeran and around Poigny-la-Forêt. Return via the Étang de Coupe-Gorge and Rambouillet Park.

In the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Park, this hike alternates between forest paths and small roads through meadows and woods, revealing a rich heritage including the Fontaine Sainte-Anne, which was a place of pilgrimage for many years.

This hike explores part of the hydraulic network built during the reign of Louis XIV to supply water to the Palace of Versailles. After a very pleasant walk along the Vieille-Eglise Aqueduct and through the Bois des Vindrins, the trail continues through cultivated plains alongside small irrigation channels.

A loop starting from Cernay-la-Ville. Head west towards Le Perray and Vieille-Église. Return via the Rambouillet Forest. 75% of the route is in the forest. Start and finish in the town centre.The circuit is almost flat (a small descent and climb towards the end), with a little road at the start and end (2 x 1.5 km) and the rest on forest paths. No technical difficulty, but it's not a leisurely ride (not suitable for families), as the paths can be very bumpy (stones, ruts, etc.) but are nevertheless often very beautiful.