Poissy walks

In search of a little blue butterfly. During a break halfway through, I saw a magnificent blue butterfly, just once, which was quite exceptional. This gave me the idea to write an article and since then, I have always dreamed of seeing it again.

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 pleasant hike through the forest and along a golf course in a little-known part of the Marly National Forest.

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.

This circuit consists almost exclusively of paved forest roads, at least in part, and is closed to motor traffic. This allows you to hike in the forest without having to surf on paths full of water and mud in winter.

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.

Starting from the Saint-Germain-en-Laye RER station, this loop begins on the grounds and terrace of the château, then alternates between wide forest paths and trails that wind through the undergrowth.

From boatmen to Henry IV, this walk reveals what lies beneath the terraces of the Château de St Germain: paths winding between the pavilions, trees from the Île-de-France region, a walk under the terrace, the banks of the Seine and Corbière Park.

A pleasant circuit entirely through the woods in the Saint-Germain-en-Laye National Forest. Enjoyable in all seasons except when it rains. Beautiful oak and beech forests, a discovery trail, and a small pond (the duck pond) halfway along the route. No particular difficulty, except for paying attention to the frequent changes in direction. Be careful in autumn and winter, as some paths are difficult to see under the leaves. Visitor numbers: see practical information.

This route to the north of the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and near Conflans-Sainte-Honorine takes you to the Étang du Corra, a pond with rich biodiversity that is a popular spot for birdwatching. The Pavillon de la Muette is a neoclassical hunting lodge built at the request of Louis XV.

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

The commune of Le Vésinet enjoys a unique status in France as it is a "park town". It was designed with rivers and lawns, and houses surrounded by huge gardens. Its proximity to the Seine makes for a varied and very pleasant walk, easily accessible by RER. At the end of the walk, the Île des Ibis offers a reward for young and old alike: a children's playground and numerous water birds to observe.

A former royal hunting ground, the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye has wide, long avenues. There are also paths winding through the undergrowth, which this hike invites you to discover. The route is mainly through the forest, with a variety of tree species and a short stretch along the edge of a pond.

This circuit connects some notable points in the northern part of the Saint Germain forest: a riding school and former theatre, a hunting lodge, a pond, a former shooting range and a 10-pointed star (crossroads). There are no particular difficulties, except for watching out for horse riders, who are numerous at weekends (horses have right of way).

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 circular starting from Maurecourt cemetery, passing through the Berthe Morisot trail, the Château du Fay, the Écancourt farm, the Bois de Jouy and returning to Maurecourt along the old railway line.

A walk that allows you to discover the banks of the Seine at the pace of the barges, first along the water's edge, then from a higher vantage point. You can also discover a rich heritage, such as the royal quarries, the Moorish house of painter and photographer Victor Madeleine (1855-1931) and the River Transport Museum.

A beautiful hike through Le Vésinet, with its five lakes and rivers, as well as along the Seine.

A varied hike, with a beautiful wooded route in the western part of the Forest of Marly and a stroll through the village of Feucherolles. A hike with two loops, lending itself to several variations, such as limiting yourself to the 7.5 km forest loop.

A hilly route from village to village, with views of Paris and La Défense.

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.

This walk takes you past numerous wash houses fed by springs located on the circular Oise in the municipalities of Jouy-le-Moutier, Vauréal and Cergy. Along the way, you will discover the Jouy-le-Moutier municipal park known as "Parc Raclet", the Rue des Blanchards and its curiosities, the old railway line that linked Pontoise to Poissy, the Axe Majeur, Gérard Philippe's house and the Cergy ponds leisure centre.

This is a very simple walk, as it follows the Seine almost from start to finish. There are beautiful views of the river and large, attractive houses along the way.

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.

A walk that allows you to discover the places favoured by the Impressionists and the beautiful old villas that dot the banks of the Seine. The route is perfectly passable even when it has rained.

The Cergy-Neuville Leisure Centre is located in a loop of the Oise River. The hike crosses the centre, giving you an idea of the variety of activities on offer there. It continues along the slopes of the right bank of the river, offering beautiful views of the entire meander. The passage through Port-Cergy, as well as several heritage sites (churches, wash houses, covered walkways, etc.), adds to the interest of the walk.

A mainly forest route despite its proximity to Paris! After crossing the Bois de Louveciennes, you can enjoy the Parc de Marly, with its views and ponds. The route ends in the Marly National Forest, with a winding path at first, then a wide, straight path.

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 mainly forest route with a pleasant section along the Etang de Saint-Cucufa and a brief detour through a residential area and old orchards to enjoy a beautiful view from the Belvédère des Gallicourts. A half-day walk.

A loop that is largely forested, although located in a peri-urban area, where you also pass through a few residential neighbourhoods with spacious houses. The small town of Marnes, with its beautiful heritage, deserves the description "charming". A touch of remembrance is provided by the monument in homage to the Lafayette Escadrille.