Vernouillet (Yvelines) walks

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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).

A hike that alternates between forest and fields, with a small pond that is ideal for a pleasant break.

In the southern French Vexin region, this circuit takes you through fields and woods, playing leapfrog with the River Montcient. The Cave aux Fées, a covered passage dating from 2500 BC, bears witness to ancient human occupation. A dovecote, an old water mill and several wash houses are also worth seeing.

At the southern edge of the French Vexin, a loop that starts along the Montcient river, with the old Moulin Brûlé, and then alternates between ascents and descents in the woods or between fields.

A hike on the slopes of both banks of the Viosne, alternating between cultivated fields, woodland and charming villages. For about 3 kilometres, the route follows the course of an ancient Roman road, the Chaussée Jules César. There is a rich heritage to discover along the way: mills, a castle, churches, crosses, wash houses and beautiful houses.

A loop starting from Vigny via Théméricourt and Avernes.

A loop starting from the National Scout Centre in Jambville. The very hilly route is marked in yellow.

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).

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.

This walk, half rural and half woodland, takes you to 11 wash houses scattered throughout pretty villages in the region. They are of various designs and styles, most of them decorated with flowers, some of which are quite complex in design and/or large in size, offering clear, refreshing running water (although not drinkable), which is much appreciated when temperatures rise above 30°C. Two views of Mantes-la-Jolie and its cathedral, and the chimneys of the Porcheville power station often in view.

Starting from the charming village of Brueil en Vexin, you will pass La Cave aux Fées, a Neolithic burial site dating from around 2000 BCE. Then, through a varied, hilly landscape, you will discover a few hamlets and a village with its wash house and old bridge.

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

A hike on the slopes of both banks of the Mauldre, a tributary of the Seine between the Plaine de Versailles and the Mantois. The route, consisting of two loops, alternates between residential areas, forests and fields. A rich heritage, partly linked to water, can be discovered along the way: an old fortified castle, old mills, a siphon bridge, farm buildings, a church, etc.

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 hike in the Beynes forest takes you past several underground gas storage sites. You will then cross the village of Saulx-Marchais, passing by its old church and town hall before crossing the fields to reach Neauphle-le-Vieux and the Mauldre river. Return to the starting point via the Beynes forest.

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 short hike in the rolling landscape of the French Vexin, among woods, fields and meadows that are home to many horses.

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.

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.

The French Vexin region has numerous megalithic sites dating from the late third millennium B.C. This walk gives you the chance to visit a dolmen in a perfect state of preservation. As you stroll through the fields and woods, you will also be able to see some lovely churches and castles.

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.