Morainvilliers walks

The first part of the circuit from Bures to Chapet passes through fields along farm tracks, then crosses Chapet and reaches the hamlet of Brezolles, before returning through the woods

A hike that alternates between forest and fields, with a small pond that is ideal for a pleasant break.

This circular hike in the Beynes forest takes you past several underground gas storage sites. You will then cross the village of Saulx-Marchais, passing by its old church and town hall before crossing the fields to reach Neauphle-le-Vieux and the Mauldre river. Return to the starting point via the Beynes forest.

This walk, half rural and half woodland, takes you to 11 wash houses scattered throughout pretty villages in the region. They are of various designs and styles, most of them decorated with flowers, some of which are quite complex in design and/or large in size, offering clear, refreshing running water (although not drinkable), which is much appreciated when temperatures rise above 30°C. Two views of Mantes-la-Jolie and its cathedral, and the chimneys of the Porcheville power station often in view.

Around Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche station - Marly Forest, a walk in a beautiful deciduous forest. It suffered greatly from the great storm of 1999, which flattened the oak trees on the motorway like straw, but this hike has a high density of remarkable trees (oaks, hornbeams, beeches). As the Marly forest is crossed by several busy roads, this hike focuses on the quietest part. It also offers a few viewpoints.

A mainly forest route with several remarkable trees here and there. The site of the Croix Saint-Michel offers a view stretching as far as Paris. A short but fairly challenging hike, given the alternating ascents and descents (the total elevation gain is probably underestimated; allow for around 200m).

A station-to-station walk, which can also be done as a slightly shorter loop. The route is mainly woodland, using both signposted paths and little-travelled paths in the undergrowth. The Étang du Corra, a protected site, offers an interlude with beautiful views and the chance to spot many birds.

A former royal hunting ground, the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye now offers beautiful high forests with a variety of tree species. The proposed route, marked by old crosses and oratories, reflects this diversity.

A mainly forest route, alternating between wide paths and trails winding through the undergrowth. An opportunity to discover a charming pond and explore a well-maintained botanical trail.

A short walk on either side of the Ru de Gally, with beautiful views of the plain and the Palace of Versailles and a rich heritage in the charming village of Rennemoulin.

The route follows the Avenue Verte (Paris-London cycle route) from Jouy-le-Moutier to Vauréal. After crossing the Oise at the major axis, it returns via the Cergy ponds and the towpath to the Pont de Neuville bridge.

A short walk, where heritage sites (churches, wash houses, covered walkway) alternate with a path along the Oise river.

In the southern French Vexin region, this circuit takes you through fields and woods, playing leapfrog with the River Montcient. The Cave aux Fées, a covered passage dating from 2500 BC, bears witness to ancient human occupation. A dovecote, an old water mill and several wash houses are also worth seeing.

At the southern edge of the French Vexin, a loop that starts along the Montcient river, with the old Moulin Brûlé, and then alternates between ascents and descents in the woods or between fields.

A short walk along the streams of the Plaine de Versailles, including the Ru de Gally, which rises in the castle grounds. The charming village of Rennemoulin boasts a chapel, a wash house and an old bridge, while the Fontaine de Maltoute is a pleasant place to stop and rest in the shade.

A short, pleasant, rural half-day hike with some historical features.

Starting from the charming village of Brueil en Vexin, you will pass La Cave aux Fées, a Neolithic burial site dating from around 2000 BCE. Then, through a varied, hilly landscape, you will discover a few hamlets and a village with its wash house and old bridge.

A loop starting from the National Scout Centre in Jambville. The very hilly route is marked in yellow.

A half-day walk, mainly in the woods, with a beautiful pond and the vast lawn of the Domaine de Beauregard.

A former royal estate (Louis XIV liked to entertain his friends here, away from the court), the Parc de Marly combines a rich heritage with the pleasure of strolling along woodland paths, wide avenues and vast lawns.

A loop starting from Vigny via Théméricourt and Avernes.

A short hike in the rolling landscape of the French Vexin, among woods, fields and meadows that are home to many horses.

A hike on the slopes of both banks of the Viosne, alternating between cultivated fields, woodland and charming villages. For about 3 kilometres, the route follows the course of an ancient Roman road, the Chaussée Jules César. There is a rich heritage to discover along the way: mills, a castle, churches, crosses, wash houses and beautiful houses.

The upstream part of this series of three hikes devoted to the Bièvre river. A very pleasant walk along the river and its bodies of water, in a mostly rural setting. A hike from station to station, which can be used to adjust the length depending on the weather conditions or desires of the hikers.

A tour of the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, including the Swiss Garden and a visit to the King's Kitchen Garden.