Les Essarts-le-Roi walks

Loop around the source of the Yvette at Les Essarts-le-Roy.

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.

Starting from the car park at the old sandpit, walk slightly uphill through the forest, then downhill along a stream, past the farm and continue along the stream.

Short walk around the Étang d'Hubert lake with historical passages. Moderator's note See reviews. It seems that the circular is no longer possible. Please leave a comment to confirm.

Hike in the Rambouillet forest, but in the lesser-known and less frequented part. The Rochers d'Angennes are impressive; you don't expect to find yourself in a blue-collar atmosphere in this place. Hike from station to station with a fast TER at the end, if returning to Paris.

A hike from station to station with a water theme! In the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Park and then in the Rambouillet Forest, this is a pleasant route, mostly shaded, along ponds, small canals and a charming river, the Drouette.

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 very beautiful hike to discover the wonderful rural and natural landscape of the north-west of the Chevreuse Valley, offering a radical change of scenery from the urban and commercial area of Coignières.

At the heart of the Chevreuse Valley Natural Park, a hike that allows you to wander through a protected natural site with a trail laid out by the Park. In the Bois de Maincourt, one can see ancient sandstone quarries. The course of the river Yvette, which the trail follows on the way back, finally allows a patrimonial approach with old mills and old washhouses.

A short hike in the Upper Chevreuse Valley, rich in heritage and offering beautiful views of the Vallon du Pommeret and the wooded hills that surround it.

The first part of the hike takes in many points of interest. The second part offers a route through forest and quiet country lanes. This circuit is not recommended for young children as it includes some very steep and stony paths.

A hike with varied landscapes. The route is mainly through the undergrowth of a beautiful forest with sections along the riverbank. 07/08/2023 Moderator's note: hike modified at point 2 to avoid private property.

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 lovely route between the château, forest, ponds and rivers, on the outskirts of Montfort-l'Amaury.

A hike that allows you to discover centuries-old chestnut trees.

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

Near Rambouillet, the Vaux de Cernay offer many pleasant walks. The one suggested here gives a good overview of the variety of the site: ponds and wetlands, a passage through a chaos of sandstone and old quarries. This walk is pleasant in all seasons. 07/08/2023 Message from the moderator: hike modified at point 2 to avoid private property.

This short route alternates between forest paths and paths along fields, following a small stream called Rouillon de Valence. It ends with a return to Dampierre-en-Yvelines in front of the château and its majestic park.

A very short walk to get some fresh air around a pond that is home to many birds. Along the way, you will discover a Gothic-style church, the ruins of the keep of the former Château de Maurepas and a remarkable oak tree.

A walk between ponds, country lanes and forest, passing through the small town of Mesnil-Saint-Denis. This hike is accessible to all. It takes you through a variety of places with lovely views. Please note that there is virtually no shade for two-thirds of the route between the points (1) and (6), so it is best to avoid it in very hot weather.

A walk between the new town and the forest. The Étang des Noés is home to many birds that nest in the reeds on its banks. After walking around the pond, the more adventurous can take an easy stroll through the forest.

Starting from the Bassin de la Courance in Maurepas, you will walk through woods, fields and small hillside villages. This hike is accessible to everyone, young and old alike.

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.

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.

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.

Hike along steep paths then through the narrow streets of a picturesque village.

A walk in a green setting and beside a peaceful little lake in the middle of Élancourt (on the border with Maurepas). Combine it with a visit to the Commanderie des Templiers de la Villedieu and, why not, a visit to France Miniature, which is right next door.

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.

A forest trail featuring several remarkable trees, including the particularly tall Hêtre du CERF and the majestic Chêne de l'Ascension. The route generally follows very well-maintained paths. A section on a poorly maintained path requires a good sense of direction.

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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IT WILL NO LONGER BE POSSIBLE TO DO THIS ROUTE FROM SEPTEMBER 2022 DUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HILL FOR THE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES. This route passes by many interesting sites and places: an old church, a lake, viewpoints and, in particular, La Revanche hill, the highest point in the Île-de-France region. It is advisable to do this route on a clear day if possible, so that you can enjoy the view of the entire region to the full.

Short hike in the Île-de-France region, from Élancourt Village to the Courance de Maurepas pond. The outward journey follows the left bank of the Ru d'Elancourt, the return journey follows the right bank. The first part (from (S) to (3)) can no longer be done. The entire Elancourt hill (la Revanche) is under construction in preparation for the Olympic Games and is therefore closed to hiking. This will remain the case until 2025... See reviews

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

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

Longing for nature and wide open spaces? Set off to explore the Rambouillet Forest on this hike combining varied landscapes, hidden heritage and immersion in the heart of an exceptional green setting. On the outskirts of the town, in a peaceful forest environment, a lake, castles and canals await you!

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 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.

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 short walk through the woods will take you to Saint-Pierre-de-Plaisir Church and Plaisir Castle.

Hike through the woods and pretty little villages.

A walk accessible to all, starting from Villiers-Saint-Frédéric station, to explore the park and the Château de Plaisir. This walk takes you through fields, the market square in Plaisir and the castle grounds. The return journey takes you through the Sainte-Apolline forest and the pretty village of Neauphle-le-Château.There are several water points if you have a dog. The route is accessible all year round. It may be a little muddy, but it remains accessible in the forest during the rainy season.

Fourth stage of the Grand Tour de l'Île-de-France on the GR® 11 and start of the clockwise circular section.This stage takes place entirely in the Yvelines department, connecting Villiers-Neauphle-Pontchartrain station to Orgerus-Béhoust station, crossing the Beynes forest and the agricultural landscapes of the Yvelines. The route runs alongside the Avre aqueduct, which supplies drinking water to western Paris.

A circular route starting from Villiers-Saint-Frédéric station and crossing the village of Neauphle-le-Château. This route alternates between fields and charming little paths to reach the village square. Along the way, you will discover wide open spaces, a small lake, an orientation table, a farmyard housing an old church, old stones, and the charm of the square in Neauphle-le-Château with its narrow cobbled streets.

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 *

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.