Sonchamp walks

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.

In the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Park, a hike mainly through forest, with a variety of tree species and ponds hidden in the fern undergrowth. The Fontaine Sainte-Anne, which was a place of pilgrimage for many years, is a pleasant spot to stop for a rest.

A short half-day hike in the forest, with several ponds along the way.

The first part of the route follows the upper reaches of the Orge river in a very bucolic setting. The second part is on a cultivated plateau with extensive views. The end of the route is in the forest, with beautiful trees here and there.

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 hike in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, where you can play leapfrog with the Rémarde river. You will encounter old mills, two beautiful churches and an oratory dedicated toSaint Arnoult, patron saint of walkers! You will follow paths along horse pastures or the edge of woods, quiet roads, lanes and footpaths.

Hike through the woods and pretty little villages.

The undergrowth is dotted with flowers in March and April and there are remarkable trees all along 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 long walk through forests, ponds and the banks of the Orge river, passing through the beautiful villages of Sainte-Mesme and Saint-Martin de Bréthancourt. Includes a visit to Dourdan, which you cross via parks and walking trails along the Orge river or the old fortifications, avoiding the suburbs and their buildings.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.