The Forêt de Montmorency and its Southwest border

A walk in the larger Val d'Oise forest, located only 20 kilometres north of Paris. Chestnut trees are plentiful in this hilly area with ponds and historical sites. A walk to the southwest border will let you discover some interesting features of the local heritage.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 237 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 234 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 188 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 97 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start point

The walk begins at the Bouquet de la Vallée, which is located at 122 Rue de Paris (D909) to Montlignon (Val d'Oise).

Ceinture Verte GRP markers for the l'Île de France (Red and Yellow)

As soon as you enter the National Forest of Montmorency, turn right on the tarmac road that leads to the Château de la Chasse. When you arrive at the pond, continue around it to the château (1). Then continue left on this road which becomes a path that is more-or-less passable a little further on. It takes a very wide, irregular curve to the right of approximately two kilometres before arriving at the Carrefour de la Cailleuse crossroads.

(2: Continue, turning left and between plots 88 and 101. When you can see a road (D192p) about 300m further on, turn left on the trail that climbs up on small hill. Turn right to cross the picnic area and the D192p)3::. Cross the road and then, after a hundred meters, veer to the left on the red and yellow marked GRP which twists and turns before going alongside plot 112.

::4: At the next intersection, where plots 97, 112 and 113 meet, turn left. On the corner of plot 123, turn right on the road between plots 113 and 122 and continue until the junction of the Porte Paradis.

"No markers"

(5). Turn left on the Route des Princes and continue up to the Route de la Croix on which you turn left between plots 99 and 199 (6).
This road leads you to the Étang Godard pond, in the centre of the Camp of Caesar roundabout.
Go right on the second path, then continue for about 300m to reach a marked GR trail that you take to the right.

Red and White GR Markers

This path will lead you to the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l-Assomption de Taverny taking you alongside the cemetery (7). After going around the church, continue left on the Rue de l'Ecce Homo, and then turn right on the Chemin des Saussaies which descends. When you arrive at the Coberges path, turn left on it.

"No markers"

(8: Continue until the Sente des Tampons on which you turn left to go back up to the Rue de l'Ecce Homo close to the Chapel of the same name)9::. Go around the chapel to the left and then right on the Chemin de l'Ecce Homo which rises steeply. At the top of the hill, you'll find the GR markers at the intersection.

Red and White GR Markers

::10: Follow the GR opposite and slightly to the right (northeast) that follows windy paths until the crossing with the Route des Parquets, where plots 122, 123, 173 and 174 meet.

"No markers"

::11: Turn right on the Route des Parquets and continue until the D192p that you cross to take the right-hand path (south) that reaches the Carrefour de Bellevue junction where you'll find a car park.

::12: Turn 90° left on the trail along plot 161. After a long descent it comes out at the crossroads of the Carrefour du Chêne aux Mouches where you can see the entrance gate to the Maison Forestière de Bois Corbon.
Turn right on the Route des Parquets and go up to the Route du Plumet close to the Étang Marie pond.

::13: Turn left and follow this road which rises to join the Route du Milieu at the Carrefour du Plumet.

::14: Turn right on the Route du Milieu to go between plots 71 and 139 which will take you back to the Bouquet de la Vallée car park.

That's the end of the walk.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 97 m - Bouquet de la Vallée car park
  2. 1 : km 0.9 - alt. 106 m - Château de la Chasse
  3. 2 : km 3.18 - alt. 159 m - Carrefour de la Cailleuse
  4. 3 : km 4.09 - alt. 170 m - Parking at D192p junction
  5. 4 : km 4.92 - alt. 164 m - Turn left between plots 112 and 113
  6. 5 : km 5.94 - alt. 182 m - Carrefour de la Porte Paradis
  7. 6 : km 6.81 - alt. 179 m - Turn left between plots 197 and 199
  8. 7 : km 8.16 - alt. 122 m - Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church
  9. 8 : km 8.55 - alt. 112 m - Sente des Coberges
  10. 9 : km 9.01 - alt. 141 m - Chapel of Ecce Homo
  11. 10 : km 9.43 - alt. 177 m - Top of the hill marked GR
  12. 11 : km 10.54 - alt. 182 m - Wide track, turn right
  13. 12 : km 11.48 - alt. 176 m - Bellevue crossroads
  14. 13 : km 12.91 - alt. 121 m - Étang Marie
  15. 14 : km 14.01 - alt. 161 m - Route du Milieu, turn right
  16. S/E : km 15.29 - alt. 98 m - Bouquet de la Vallée car park

Practical information

Walking shoes and drinks.
The ground can be muddy at times.

You can get to the start point by car or by bus.

In the nearby area

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 32 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
ozogiminy
ozogiminy

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The description of this walk needs to be expanded,I started from Taverny station,at point 8 and the first difficulty in taking the "sente des Tampons",at the end of the "sente des Goberges" you have to enter a park and walk up it to the other exit to find the "sente des Tampons".stay on the main path (Ecce Homo) which veers to the left,ignore the path which runs alongside the chateau park.Again, between 10 and 11, it is difficult to follow the GR. At point 12, follow the signs for the Chateau de la Chasse, which you will follow until you reach the Carrefour du Plumet. At point 13, leave the uphill road and turn right (signposted Chateau de la Chasse) and after the large bend to the left, at the fork in the road, in sight of the Tour du Plumet, turn right.
Note that the signposting is clearly inadequate on both the GR and the GRP.
There is also an overdose of references to plot numbers which are often difficult to spot.
Otherwise a lovely walk, with virtually no noise pollution (aircraft).

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MaxLife
MaxLife

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

This superb forest walk, which I've done on several occasions, has a lovely route, beautiful covered paths, a very slight gradient and an ideal distance: a perfect alchemy that guarantees a unique getaway in all seasons, and allows us to enjoy the forest to the full! I feel great, my friends feel great, my dog loves it: I absolutely recommend it!

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FarMeb
FarMeb

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Busy trail : Yes

A tinnitus hike. The number of planes in the landing phase will have taken their toll on my hearing aid in nearly 3 hours. I'm not even thinking about the damage to the animals. Concrete paths as wide as trunk roads, laid out with tractors... in fact I saw one. Kids on motocross bikes who, after point 3, have taken over a whole section of the forest where the gradients allow them to do jumps and top speeds. The forest is being massacred by mounds and other ruts created by young people who are mechanised and have the means to do so. But what is the ONF doing!
Fortunately, there are a few moments of grace: Notre Dame church, the two chapels and soon the Taverny Arborétum. I wouldn't recommend this forest, which is becoming increasingly artificial.

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jeanbre
jeanbre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

very nice easy hike

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jcaqueret
jcaqueret

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Very pleasant route.
Also good for a little trail training.

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Jean Noel B
Jean Noel B

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The walk can easily be done as a return trip from Taverny station: around 10 minutes' walk to point 8.
Note the many patches of forest being restored following the ink disease.
The grounds of the Château de la Chasse and the pond are a great place to take a break or have a picnic.
I spotted two wild boar around the mound between points 2 and 3!
I did this route during the week, but it's probably busier on the weekends.

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RandonYon
RandonYon

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The route is accessible by public transport, so it was easy to get to from Taverny station.
The many forest sections were all the more enjoyable in the sunshine. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic, especially on the banks of theEtang de la Chasse. Some of the highlights include the château of the same name, thechurch of Notre-Dame, the Ecce Homo chapel and the small Godard pond at the Rond-Point du Camp de César.
A well-maintained forest, with vast clear-cuts and attempts at reforestation still in their infancy. A few dry streams such as the Corbon.
Small park and arboretum (inaccessible at the time) at Taverny (to be crossed by the paths).
Quite a busy circuit on this Sunday, at least some of the wider paths and the banks of the pond, without any problems.
Thank you for the route, its interest, its description, perfect!

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Hunterstorm57
Hunterstorm57

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant little walk in the forest, fairly accessible by transport and not too crowded.

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LoicFleurus
LoicFleurus

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pretty route with several points of interest, starting with the Chateau de la Chasse, which offers plenty of space for picnics, and the Taverny church (where you should see the interior). You can also take a break at the Godard pond if you wish.
There are many clear-cuts along the route, showing the ravages of ink disease, but there are also some very beautiful stretches of forest with a wide variety of plantings that create many different atmospheres.
From point 13, I recommend going up and following the path to Etang de Marie, which is not very well signposted and allows you to see a superb group of pine trees overhanging the road before descending to the pond, which is the most beautiful part of the route. You can take a path that runs parallel to the signposted track and then rejoins the original path.

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Clauderueil
Clauderueil

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 14, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A few too many sections on tarmac and in town
In fact, we modified the route to cover 21.4 km
Overall, we liked it

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JulieT
JulieT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

Very busy in March, the official car park at the château de la chasse was full. But the points of interest on the map are car parks, where there are fewer people. As the route is a loop, it's possible to start the walk at another point, to park more easily in another car park.
Otherwise, it's a good walk, pleasant and not too difficult for people who don't do much sport!

A dog-friendly walk!

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LaLDD
LaLDD

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very pleasant and varied.

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cbourrague
cbourrague

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 03, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Great walking circuit.

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angbenoit
angbenoit

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 10, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent forest walk in autumn weather, despite a little mud. If you live in Paris, you can start from Domont station (30 minutes from Gare du Nord), which adds about 7 km for the return journey, making a nice walk of about 20 km in all. Thanks for the nice route, which is easy to navigate with the visorando GPS.

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elgauchito
elgauchito

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 18, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

We didn't follow the route exactly as indicated (we had a map and compass), but opted for a few variations, notably the Chemin du philosophe at the château. We returned via Saint-Leu station.
The only annoyance was the cross-country motorbikes that spoiled the silence of the forest.
There were a few people on the main paths, but the forest was relatively quiet once you left the main roads.
A beautiful forest were it not for the clear-cuts caused by the "ink disease".

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