Fontenay-sur-Eure walks

Circular loop around the Bois des Tertres and the ponds of Fontenay-sur-Eure.

Lots of paths, a few small roads, varied landscapes with the banks of the Eure, ponds and a small piece of Beauce lost on the left bank of the Eure. A pleasant little hike if it hasn't rained too much in the previous days (or if you like mud).

Starting from Maintenon station, a green loop allows you to admire the colossal Maintenon aqueduct and follow the Louis XIV canal for several kilometres before passing through the Eure valley and returning along the river. We recommend a picnic on the banks of the Eure or at Saint-Piat station if it rains.

Depart from Maintenon, passing by the château and then the plateau overlooking the Eure valley to Nogent-le-Roi, where you can admire the church and half-timbered houses. The return journey takes you through the valley along the path on the platform of the old railway line and then along the banks of the river on a charming shaded path.

No, it was not calves, devotees or a certain Mr Desvaux, who once owned the property, but three valleys that gave the estate its name. However, there are many horses. Purchased in 1805 by the Marquis d'Aligre, whose family lived in the nearby Château de la Rivière, it became a renowned hunting destination where horses reigned supreme and were housed in sumptuous stables. Even today, horses still graze in the surrounding meadows.In front of the château, the statue ofthe 1,000th stag served by the Marquis's hunting parties bears witness to the abundance of game in these 120 hectares of woodland. Since 1946, the Fondation des Apprentis d'Auteuil, which owns the estate, has established a renowned vocational school there, which welcomes nearly 1,250 students.This circular starting from Saint-Maurice-Saint-Germain allows you to discover the site and the Eure valley. You can extend the walk by following the GRP® to the Boizard locks and the Château de la Rivière.

This easy, bucolic walk allows you to discover a little of the Eure, a peaceful river. The starting point is a curiosity in itself: a town hall unlike any other. The finish invites you into the pretty little town of Nogent-le-Roi, with its old half-timbered houses.

A beautiful hike, mostly in the woods around the Eure valley, starting from the Senonches State Forest and ending at the Boizard locks. Built in 1785 by Louis XIV's engineers, this structure was supposed to be the starting point of an unfinished aqueduct that would have carried water from the Eure to the fountains in the park of the Palace of Versailles. On the way back, discover the Château des Vaux and its gardens.

There is so little relief in the Senonches Forest! So, with a lot of imagination and a little humour, let's have fun transforming this walk through the slight relief caused by a geological fault in the south of the forest into an alpine trail: the 90D!The trail starts, as it should, at the bottom of the "valley", on the banks of the Eure, at the edge of the "lake" of Fontaine-Simon. During the ascent, without ropes or ice axes of course, towards the Fontaine aux Liards at an altitude of 249 m, we will have to cross miniature "torrents", pass through tiny "passes" and follow a ridge path along a "vertiginous ravine"... railway. Then, after a descent into a "deep" valley, you will have to climb the Route de La Ferrière to finally tumble down towards La Billette, where you will begin to see the water ski lift installed on the pond, like a ski lift. If this description doesn't convince you, rest assured that you will at least enjoy a beautiful walk in the forest!

A forest hike starting from the Perche Water Park in Fontaine-Simon. The path leads into the Senonches State Forest after following the edge of the lake. A picturesque trail along the old railway line, a long forest line and then a path that descends into the Tourbière des Froux lead to this protected natural site, home to rare plant and animal species. Passing through hamlets and ponds, you return to La Ferrière, the site of former iron ore mining.

This last stage of our journey through the Vlaminck region takes us from Senonches to La Loupe. Initially mainly wooded, the route then crosses the Eure valley, passing close to the Fontaine-Simon water park, where you can stop for refreshments. La Loupe station provides a quick return to Paris-Montparnasse.

The name "Les Evés" refers, locally, to places where water is abundant. This water, which is everywhere, is particularly present in this "district" of the forest, south of the village. It is carried by gutters and streams from the forest to the ponds and wash houses. This short route takes you on a tour of places where water has been collected over the years, not far from the town, to be regulated and used for the activities of the Senonchois.After inspiring dreams of a spa resort in 1936-37, the water has nevertheless contributed to the town's development as a tourist destination. Successive municipal councils have worked to develop what was once a marshy area, which has now become a tourist complex with sports and leisure facilities, ideally located near the new La Loge des Bois secondary school.

The ancients revered old trees. Like them, pay homage to the "elders" of the forest. After skirting Lake Arthur Rémy, then the Vente des Trous iron ore extraction site, this circuit will take you, via secret paths and long avenues, to the seniors of the forest.First, wish the Three Brothers a happy340th birthday. Younger, but just as sturdy, seven sequoias and a cedar have been watching over the Rond de Monsieur for over a century. After passing through this imposing circle, visit the King of the Forest, who is said to sometimes sit on the gigantic throne of the Chêne Fauteuil. Finally, don't forget to say hello to the chestnut tree at the Rond de Condé.Take the time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods by stopping at the rest areas you'll find along the way. At "L'Orée du Bois" (The Edge of the Woods), learn to use your five senses to better experience the forest. Complete your knowledge by discovering a "Forest of Stories" at the château.

What if you were invited by the Duke of Saint-Simon, famous chronicler of the Court of Versailles, to celebrate his350th birthday in La Ferté-Vidame? Imagine being able to accept this unlikely invitation and spending a weekend on this two-stage loop that will take you from Senonches, through forests and farmland, to his "favourite residence". Since 1975, the Saint-Simon Prize has been awarded every September to a contemporary memoirist during the book festival. In 2025, it will be the50th edition and we will celebrate the 350th anniversary of the duke, who was born in 1675. Set off to explore his estate and the "Petites Cités de Caractère" (small towns of character) of Senonches and La Ferté-Vidame along long forest paths, ponds and country lanes. If you are unable to meet the duke and his beloved wife, the Maison Saint-Simon will tell you about his life and work. Visit the romantic ruins of the castle built by the Marquis de Laborde shortly before the Revolution in the park.

This first stage connects Senonches to La Ferté Vidame. Through the national forest, the route takes you to the village of La Framboisière, the Château de la Hézière, near which there was once a glassworks, and, via a long forest road, leads to La Puisaye. After skirting the Étang de Rouge, the path crosses farmland and arrives at La Ferté-Vidame, the stronghold of the Duke of Saint-Simon, famous chronicler of the court of Versailles. At the entrance to the park, in the Pavillon Saint-Dominique, home to the tourist office, the Maison Saint-Simon presents his life and work. A walk in the park allows you to contemplate the vast views, the ponds and the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de la Borde, which replaced the medieval fortress, the "favourite residence" of the memoirist, in the 18th century. Recently restored, the "little castle" once belonged to King Louis-Philippe, benefactor of the village. The classical-style Saint-Nicolas Church contains the tomb of the duke and his wife.

This entirely forest-based circuit takes you past several strange trees, unexplained natural curiosities. It runs alongside the Biquet valley, a favourite walking route for the people of Senon. After reaching the Froux peat bog, a natural site of great ecological richness, it passes close to the romantic Forestiers pond nestled in the heart of the forest. This is an ideal spot for observing the animals that come here to drink in the evening.

A lovely walk, between fields of wheat and barley, and through the woods. In spring, the woods are full of white anemones, yellow lesser celandines and bluebells. The walk is not difficult. From the top of the fields, you can see all the surrounding countryside. It's very beautiful, especially when the rape fields are in flower.

In Senonches, starting from the Jacques-Yves Cousteau School, there is a short circuit designed for families, leading from the Moinerie housing estate or the HLM social housing complex to the Arthur Rémy pond. Here you will find a whole happy flock of waterfowl, games for the little ones and picnic tables for the grown-ups. You can fish or follow a fitness trail. Crossing the town centre, you will pass by the main points of interest: the listed cinema, Town Hall, media library, castle museum and church.

This circuit begins in the heart of the Senonches Forest on wide, easy-to-ride paths, starting from the Rond de Condé, followed by a passage through La Ferté-Vidame and its rich historical past.Don't miss Moussonvilliers and its washerwomen at work at the Ruisseau de Grenouille wash house.Afterwards, cross various waterways, each one different from the other, including the Rivière de Saint-Maurice, the Avre, the Iton, the Risle, the Cauche and the Sommaire, the most difficult to cross.

Allow a day to complete this route and visit Senonches. As it is easier to find shelter in town for lunch in winter or in case of bad weather, this route suggests setting off from Tardais in the morning, heading towards Senonches where you can picnic or eat in a restaurant, and, after visiting the town and the castle, returning to Tardais at the end of the afternoon. The route takes you around Tardais and connects it to Senonches. It is varied, passing between the castle and the lake, crossing the forest, taking you through the recently developed town centre and leading to Lake Arthur Rémy. After passing by the castle and the church, it returns across fields and through the forest again. It follows the edge of the village. Here you will find the magnificent Tardais Beech, a remarkable listed tree. At 185 years old, it is suffering, like all the beech trees in the forest, from global warming, which will cause them to disappear in the short term. So don't delay in going to see it.

No raspberries in sight: for now, but where have all the raspberry bushes from La Framboisière gone?The name of the village is more likely to come from Bois Francs, meaning woods free of rights.But patience: the new Raspberry Festival will take place in June 2024. Plantings are planned and the shrub should be given pride of place.Take a short tour to discover the crops and the edge of the Senonches State Forest and the village. Pass by the majestic Chêne de la Framboisière oak tree. Memories of an old railway line.

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

Short hike in the Bois de la Butte Ronde and Vallée des Grès. Along some of the paths, you can admire the enormous hundred-year-old oak trees. The Rambouillet Forest is managed by the ONF. The paths are well marked and the natural environment is very varied. You can easily go from birch and hornbeam trees to magnificent oaks, and from heather to ferns or grasses.

This short loop in the Senonches State Forest starts at the Grand Rond, a magnificent star-shaped crossroads of forest paths, and first follows a long forest path that leads to the Rond des Hussards. A path then winds its way between the national forest and private woods. After passing through the Rond de la Rachée, the circuit passes at the foot of the Chêne d'Hérissé, the only tree to survive the 1999 storm in this area. Shortly before the end, the Hêtre du Haut Cornet stands a few metres from the path.

An easy walk in the forest, on the Rochers d'Angennes overlooking the valley, followed by a visit to the beautiful ruins of the Moulineaux Abbey. Please note! Several hikers have reported that the route is difficult to follow at the site of the former abbey, between points (1) and (2) According to the latest information, the passage near the former abbey is now closed and dangerous. The route has therefore been modified and the original route removed.

This short loop in the Bois de la Saucelle, near Puisaye, is mainly woodland. It confirms the toponymic meaning of the name Puisaye, which refers to a wetland area. Through private woods, the circuit follows wide avenues, including the Ligne Jacob, whose length, width and majesty could justify the mischievously pretentious name of "Champs Élysées du Perche". However, don't expect to find shops and noisy café terraces here. All you will hear is birdsong. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this unspoilt, authentic natural environment, exploring it on tiptoe so as not to disturb the many animals that you are sure to glimpse if you are discreet.Avoid this route on hunting days. Danger!

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

This is an easy route, the second part of which is very pleasant in hot weather as it follows the banks of the Avre on theGR®®22. There are various places to stop and picnic by the water.

A walk in the Rambouillet forest between two small ponds connected by a stream. Many species of mushrooms can be seen when the weather is right. A nature walk around several vital natural elements.

Starting from the Coupe-Gorge Pond, you will encounter fantastic creatures hidden in the Tête d'Alouette Oak. You will pass through forests of different species and, if you are lucky, you may come across a family of wild boars.

In the heart of the Forêt de Rambouillet, a walk tinged with fern and heather, to discover a Neolithic dolmen and a charming valley along a stream.

Starting from Morvilliers, this loop takes you to the sites where a tragic episode unfolded during the final days of the Maquis de La Ferté-Vidame in August 1944.It first leads to the farm of Mary Thibault, the instigator of the Maquis. It then crosses the Bois de Malassis, where the Maquisards hid after machine-gunning a German car, killing the driver and the secretary of the Kommandantur of La Ferté-Vidame This action triggered the fury of the SS, who, after searching the neighbouring farms in vain, arrested three young members of the Maquis in the hamlet of Les Rayers. They were taken to the nearby Château du Gland, where they were tortured. The first man was shot on 11 August in front of his comrades. The next day, the other two were also executed. They had to dig their own graves. A commemoration takes place every year in the clearing and at the cemetery in Morvilliers, where the bodies were returned after the Liberation.

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.

Between ponds, oak forests, pine forests and birch woods, this is a beautiful hike in the north of the Rambouillet Forest. A varied route in a peaceful setting.

Pond and dolmen: hike in the Rambouillet National Forest near Saint-Léger-en-Yvelines.

A hike from station to station that will take you through the forest of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park. Ponds, castle, forest, ramparts and museum: everything you need for a wonderful day out with family or friends.

A hike from station to station with a water theme! In the Parc Naturel de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and then in the Forêt de Rambouillet, a pleasant route, mostly shaded, along ponds, small canals and a charming river, the Drouette.

Varied landscapes and paths: pine, oak and birch forests, fields and greenhouses, thatched cottages and streams, boundary stones bearing coats of arms and a billionaire's castle.

On the edge of the Rambouillet National Forest, the Old Road from Nogent-le-Roy to Montfort-l'Amaury is marked by boundary stones dating from the Ancien Régime and decorated with fleurs-de-lis. This short hike, which requires a good sense of direction, starts in the heart of the forest in search of these boundary stones and ends in a rural setting.

Discover the ponds and pools that dot this route in the Rambouillet Forest. The private pond at Château de l'Artoire, visible from the road; Étang du Moulin des Roches; the waterfalls and rocks at Vaux de Cernay; the private pond at Les Hogues, visible from the road; Étang de la Tour; Étang de Coupe-Gorge; the ponds at Vilpert; and the ponds at Hollande.

A hike from station to station that takes us to the source of the River Yvette and then up and down through the woods that frame its valley. The route crosses the Maincourt Marsh and then an area of rocky chaos. The forest trails are interspersed with villages and hamlets rich in heritage.

An easy and very pleasant circuit in the Rambouillet forest, passing by the Étangs de Hollande.

It's a very varied walk, combining nature, culture, history, tourism and curiosities. All of which means you won't miss a mile. And if you're lucky enough to do it in good weather, you'll come home feeling like you've just been on holiday.