Hanches walks

On the outskirts of the Paris region, let yourself be surprised by the bucolic and relaxing landscape of the Drouette Valley. After strolling through the grazing meadows, don't leave without visiting the Millstones and Cobblestones Museum, a testament to Épernon's economic appeal.

A short walk along the Drouette river, passing most of the points of interest on the Discovery Trail This link allows you to discover the game and the information panels placed along the route.

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.

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.

A long tour starting from Saint-Hilarion that will take you to Raizeux through fields and forests, then to Épernon, which you will cross before following the Drouette river along a small, intimate path, and finally back up to Saint-Hilarion.

Walk through the Bois du Thuilay, alternating between open land and woods.

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.

This is a pleasant and easy circular route, alternating between wooded areas, forest edges and fields. Most of the route offers unobstructed views, even overlooking the Eure and Voise valleys. It is a landscape with very little traffic, allowing you to enjoy watching herons and harriers take flight, small game such as deer and hares scampering across the fields and paths, and, in season, gliders soaring through the sky.

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 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 circular walk offering varied and remarkable scenery on an easy route without too much elevation gain. You will discover the Etangs de la Tour, d'Or and du Perray lakes, the large green spaces that dominate the landscape with the Rambouillet national forest, and finally a visit to its château.

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

Starting from Nogent-le-Roi, explore the surrounding countryside between woods and valleys before visiting the castle park. The Eure valley and its water mills can be explored at a leisurely pace. Half-timbered houses characterise the distinctive architecture of Nogent-le-Roi. Between the castle grounds and the Bois de Ruffin, walkers will pass from an urban landscape to a very varied rural landscape.

The last section, from Pont sous Gallardon to Chartres, is the highlight of the route. The Beauce plain appears flat, but its many undulations reveal and conceal the spires and nave of the cathedral in turn. The Chemin Charles Péguy was created by the Amitié Charles Péguy with the cooperation of all the municipalities crossed and the support of the Eure-et-Loir Departmental Council.

A lovely little walk through mostly wooded areas withPR® signage (except for a curiosity at the end of the route).

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 *

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.

Hike through a forest with a variety of tree species. In autumn, mushrooms are abundant (boletus, parasol mushrooms).

Hike from Croix Pater to the village of Le Mesle. Departure from the CROIX PATER crossroads.

Cycle path and forest track.

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

Circular starting from Berchères la Maingot. Discover the remains of Louis XIV's unfinished canal, which was intended to supply the Palace of Versailles with water from the Eure. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

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.

Hike in the Rambouillet Forest

In the heart of the Rambouillet Forest, a walk tinged with ferns and heather, discovering a Neolithic dolmen and a charming valley along a stream.

This is the penultimate stage of the GR®1. It takes you out of the Rambouillet Forest and to the Villiers-Saint-Frédéric RER station. Halfway along the route is the pretty medieval town of Montfort-l'Amaury. The ruins offer superb views of the surrounding area. Half of the stage is through forest, i.e. up to Montfort-l'Amaury. The other part of the stage is more rural.

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

A pleasant walk along small paths and footpaths in the Rambouillet Forest. The hike ends with a short tour of the Étangs de Hollande.

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).

A walk in the Eure valley, without any major difficulties but with a few slopes through fields, woods, stony and grassy paths, and then a little tarmac and a few houses too. This walk can also be done by mountain bike or hybrid bike.