Saint-Cyr-l'École walks

This is the third stage of the GR® 11 Grand Tour of Île-de-France. It continues through the Yvelines, between Saint-Cyr station and Villiers-Neauphle-Pontchartrain station. This stage completes the 'radial' part of the GR® starting from Paris and joins the circular loop that circles the region from Villiers-Saint-Frédéric. The route passes through increasingly large wooded areas as you approach the countryside.

A stroll around the picturesque ponds of the Bièvre springs. Beautiful landscapes full of relief on the ponds, mallards, moorhens, gulls, etc. Silence, perhaps a stag with beautiful antlers and does. The Minière ponds consist of several bodies of water: the Moulin à Renard Pond, the Minière Pond and the Val d'Or Pond. These ponds, nestled in the forest of Versailles, cover a total area of 25 hectares at an average altitude of 110 metres and a maximum depth of 15 metres. The source of the Bièvre is located upstream from the ponds, in the nearby hamlet of Bouviers. After a 32.8-kilometre journey, the Bièvre flows into the Seine in Paris.

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 pleasant walk through the forest and along the Minière ponds.

The Étang de Saint-Quentin, an artificial lake covering an area of approximately 150 hectares, is located in the municipalities of Trappes and Montigny-le-Bretonneux (Pas-du-lac district), within the new town of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. It is part of a large leisure and outdoor recreation centre covering a total area of 600 hectares. Various leisure activities can be enjoyed there. It serves as a wintering ground for many migratory birds. More than 230 species of birds inhabit the 90 hectares of the reserve.

A short walk along the streams of the Plaine de Versailles, including the Ru de Gally, which has its source in the castle grounds. The charming village of Rennemoulin boasts a chapel, a wash house and an old bridge, while the Fontaine de Maltoute fountain offers a pleasant, shaded spot to stop for a break. Unacceptable behaviour has been observed; see the warning in the practical information section.

Hike through the heights of the Versailles National Forest with views of the Étangs de la Geneste and Val d'Or ponds, and don't forget to see the remarkable oak tree of Louis XIV.

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

The park of the Palace of Versailles covers 815 hectares in the municipality of Versailles. It is managed by the public institution of the Palace and Estate of Versailles. Apart from the main tourist sites of the Palace, it is occupied by forest and agricultural plots, criss-crossed by large straight paths. It is in this park that the Gally stream, which drains the Grand Canal, originates and flows westwards. The route starts at the Saint Antoine gate, passes behind the palace, and ends with a tour of the Trianon estate, allowing you to return to the Saint Antoine gate. It includes a passage through the palace gardens, which are only accessible free of charge in winter.

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.

This short walk allows you to explore the surroundings of Bailly and Roquencourt. If the forest ground is muddy, you can return via the same route you took on the way there. Bailly and Rocquencourt are located in the Versailles plain on the edge of the Forest of Marly. The municipal area of Rocquencourt is relatively small: it is one of the smallest municipalities in the Yvelines department.

The Forest of Marly covers 2,000 hectares about twenty kilometres west of Paris, between Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles. It stretches 12 km from east to west and connects to the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye via the Plaine de la Jonction. It is a former hunting ground of the kings of France. The hike includes a route through this forest starting from Bailly.

This urban route, in the heart of Versailles, takes you to places that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. We start at the Hôtel des Menus Plaisirs, where the Estates General met on 5 May 1789. We pass by Saint Louis Cathedral, where a mass was held before the opening. Finally, we visit the Salle du Jeu de Paume, where on 20 June 1789, 578 deputies took an oath not to separate until a new constitution had been promulgated.

A short walk between forest and fields without leaving Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. It will take you to the "Garde Manger", a shop selling local and short route products.

A short hike to discover the Mérantaise valley, the Croix du Bois, the Mérantais wash house, the village of Magny-les-Hameaux, the Maison des Bonheurs (family of 19th-century painters), the Domaine de Brouëssy, and the stele of Hélène Boucher (early 20th-century aviator).

A green loop around the ponds of Moulin à Renard, La Minière, Val d'Or and La Geneste in the Bièvre valley, with an optional detour to admire the Arcades de Buc.

This route allows you to discover both the Minière ponds, upstream of the Bièvre river, and to pass close to the Palace of Versailles by crossing the Parc des Suisses. It is also a route through the Versailles National Forest, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant walk along the Bièvre. It is a route for all seasons, as the landscape changes with the weather.

A short forest hike in two stages. After a lovely view of the former Port-Royal-des-Champs Abbey, you climb up the Vallon du Rodhon on a path and trails that wind through the undergrowth. The hike then follows the wide paths of the Port-Royal Forest.

A circular route that starts on a cultivated plateau before descending into the Mérantaise valley. Then, mostly in the undergrowth, you play leapfrog with the river.

The park is located in Marly-le-Roi and managed by the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles. A sloping park on the south bank of the Seine, its lower part overlooks the centre of Marly. To the east, it is very close to the Louveciennes national forest, from which it is separated by the Route de Versailles. It still features the grand alignments of the Louis XIV era, the layout of the château on the ground, and the drinking trough downstream of the park with its two basins topped by copies of the Chevaux de Marly. The royal gate and the gates of the former château, such as the main gate and the Phare gate, protect access to the estate. The GPX track may prove useful.

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 circular mainly covers the Marly Forest, allowing you to walk theGR®1from Chambourcy to Louveciennes. On the way back, the route crosses the Parc du Domaine Royal de Marly.

An unsuspected corner of wild nature, just twenty kilometres from Paris. In the Parc Départemental des Côtes de Montbron, the Ru de Saint-Marc and three ponds are home to a variety of flora and numerous birds. A short walk for nature lovers! 15/11/2024: A landslide has been reported just past the point (6) and it seems impossible to get through at the moment.

A hike from station to station that crosses the Marly National Forest and then the Tailles d'Herbelay Departmental Forest. It then offers a visit to the charming town centre of Chambourcy and a short walk in the Saint-Germain-en-Laye National Forest. The route ends in Poissy, where you can admire the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and the remains of the Old Bridge over the Seine.

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).

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 relatively short route but with some steep slopes, in a beautiful forest setting.

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.

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.

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

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.

A route from station to station, through the woods and with some elevation gain. Walking or jogging.

An easy hike from Viroflay-Rive Gauche station to Chaville-Rive Gauche station. The town is never far away, but the forest remains a haven of peace and greenery. You can visit several places of interest, see some beautiful landscapes and get some fresh air!

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.

The route goes around the Joyenval golf course, on which the old abbey is located, and passes in front of the Désert de Retz. The ruins of the Château de Montjoie and a hunting table are also located near the route.

A beautiful walk through open woodland and along two charming ponds, ideal for a simple half-day outing.

In the footsteps of Jean Racine, in places steeped in history. A walk through a variety of environments, between forests, meadows and cultivated fields, with a lovely view of the ancient Abbey of Port-Royal des Champs.

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.

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.

Just 20 kilometres away, the Saclay plateau is the largest cultivated area closest to Paris. This easy route features numerous information panels explaining agriculture and environmental management in a highly urbanised region.

Dedicated to equestrian sports, the Haras de Jardy Departmental Park is open to the public. Starting from Marnes-la-Coquette, which lives up to its name, this short walk takes you along the paths of the park and the trails of the neighbouring Fausses-Reposes Forest.

Visit the Château de la Madeleine's belvedere, castle and cellars via a trail around the Plaine de la Madeleine. We recommend starting from the "Carrefour de Milon," which is accessible from the beautiful little village of Milon-la-Chapelle.

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 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.

A hike which is mostly in the forest, with lovely sections along the Mérantaise river and the ditches which run down from the Saclay Plateau.

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.

Circular route dotted with beautiful views. You pass through forests and villages, streams and ponds, and alongside historic and remarkable sites such as Château de la Madeleine and Port Royal with its Jean Racine trail. The only difficulty is the short steep climb to Château de Chevreuse.

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.

This hike will take you from castle to castle in the Chevreuse Valley: Coubertin, Méridon, Breteuil, Dampierre and La Madeleine. You will also discover Chevreuse, its small bridges and its Saint-Martin Church (with its remarkable ambulatory) and the surrounding countryside. The hike can start from Chevreuse or from the RER B station at Saint-Rémy-les-Chevreuse (departure and return details in italics). In this case, add 2 km to the length of the hike.

A beautiful hike to discover the beautiful sights of the Chevreuse valley: the Chatillonmill, the castle of Dampierre, the blacksmith’s, the villages of Fourcherolles, Senlisse and Choisel, Méridon castle, the village of Chevreuse and its small bridges along the Yvette, and Château de la Madeleine.

This magnificent route will allow you to discover the wonders of the Chevreuse Valley, passing through the Domaine de Coubertin, the Meridon Departmental Forest, the Bois du Vossery sandstone quarry, the village of Chevreuse with its shopping streets, its church, the Promenade des Petits Ponts and its medieval castle.

From station to station through the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye with a short detour through the historic centre of the village of Mesnil-le-Roi. Arrival in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, capital of inland waterway transport.

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.

The first part of this walk alternates between woodland and fields. The return journey is through undergrowth, along the former railway line that used to link Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse and Limours.

From the RER B station at Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, visit the 11th-century medieval castle (1030) in Chevreuse and its ramparts, with a view overlooking the Chevreuse Valley. A day of nature, sport, excitement and gastronomy awaits you.

A hike from station to station where you play leapfrog with the Yvette River! The route is mostly close to the river and crosses a few woods and pretty parks, including the one in the western part of the Paris-Sud University campus.

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.

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.

A hike from station to station that runs mainly along the Seine, mostly on well-marked footpaths.

A hike from station to station, crossing the southern part of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye national forest. The start and end of the route are in urban areas. In Poissy, the Collégiale Notre-Dame offers a superb touch of heritage.

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

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.

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.

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.

In the footsteps of Josephine and the Impressionist painters From Rueil-Malmaison, this 13 km bike ride with no particular difficulty will take you from the banks of the Seine, which served as a backdrop for the Impressionist painters, to the National Museum of the Malmaison and Bois-Préau Castles. Discover two important aspects of the history of Rueil-Malmaison: the remains of the Empire period, which was fundamental to the town's founding, and the natural setting of the Seine, which inspired many Impressionist painters inthe 19th century. The route ends along the Parc des Impressionnistes, which evokes Claude Monet's gardens in Giverny.

A short walk, mostly along the Seine and through three public parks, where even in a highly urbanised setting, it is possible to find peaceful spots.

A route that is half urban and half in the woods, in an old orchard or along the banks of the Seine. Napoleonic history is present, particularly at the Church of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul and in the Parc de Bois-Préau.