Saint-Symphorien-le-Château walks

This route is the third of the four sections of the Chemin Charles Péguy. It follows in the footsteps of the poet Charles Péguy, who made two pilgrimages to Chartres (in 1912 and 1913, each lasting four days there and back), celebrated in a poem that has gone down in history. The route alternates between the landscapes of the Beauce region and other, more hilly and charming landscapes that you might not expect.

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

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.

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 *

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

A route mainly through forest, with some remarkable trees and a beautiful pond, and a heritage detour through the hamlet of Loireux.

A loop with several faces... You start along a river and a pond. You then climb up a path to cross a section of the Rambouillet Forest where there are some remarkable trees. You finish through reeds and along a pond.

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.