Walks and discoveries in the Vallée de Chevreuse, 17 must-see treasures

Published by My de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on April 22th, 2024 at 10:16 a.m.
Located between Versailles and Rambouillet, the Vallée de Chevreuse has many natural and cultural treasures to discover. There's a remarkable heritage of beautiful monuments, wonders for strolling and going green, and even a rich culinary heritage. Discover 18 must-see nuggets.

The Vallée de Chevreuse, located in the Yvelines department, is an unspoilt area on the outskirts of Paris. It is one of the most remarkable rural and forested areas in the Ile-de-France region. Created in 1985, the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse aims to preserve the heritage of the Vallée de Chevreuse. Here, you'll discover a rich cultural heritage, as well as natural wonders just as beautiful!

The Vallée de Chevreuse boasts a rich diversity of landscapes. Between arable plateaus and "confidential valleys", 90% of the territory is made up of forests, natural areas and agricultural plateaus. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking on almost 300km of signposted trails, renting electric bikes to tackle the valley's rugged terrain, discovering the trails on horseback at equestrian centers, visiting several ponds and nature reserves, and discovering numerous farms.

The Vallée de Chevreuse is also rich in history. The Château de la Madeleine is a fortress that has dominated the village for over 1000 years. You can also visit theAbbaye des Vaux de Cernay (currently under renovation until spring 2024) and the Petit Moulin de Cernay.

Treasures to discover:

Skit du Saint-Esprit en forêt du Mesnil-Saint-Denis dans les Yvelines -  A7C2040Skit du Saint-Esprit en forêt du Mesnil-Saint-Denis dans les Yvelines -  A7C2040Skit du Saint-Esprit en forêt du Mesnil-Saint-Denis dans les Yvelines -  A7C2040Skit du Saint-Esprit en forêt du Mesnil-Saint-Denis dans les Yvelines -  A7C2040 Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department
Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history. [Read more]

Parc du Dr Fauvel à Villennes sur Seine, grotte et cascades -  A7C1577 HDRParc du Dr Fauvel à Villennes sur Seine, grotte et cascades -  A7C1577 HDRParc du Dr Fauvel à Villennes sur Seine, grotte et cascades -  A7C1577 HDRParc du Dr Fauvel à Villennes sur Seine, grotte et cascades -  A7C1577 HDR Unusual in the Yvelines: the superb waterfall grotto at Parc du Dr Fauvel in Villennes-sur-Seine
Villennes-sur-Seine, a charming commune in the Yvelines department, is home to a little-known treasure: the waterfalls of the Parc Fauvel grotto. Located some 36 kilometers west of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, this small town near Poissy on the left bank of the Seine boasts a park that combines history and nature. The park, an example of English romanticism, features an unusual grotto and waterfalls. [Read more]

Jardin Yili, le jardin chinois caché dans les Yvelines -  A7C2282Jardin Yili, le jardin chinois caché dans les Yvelines -  A7C2282Jardin Yili, le jardin chinois caché dans les Yvelines -  A7C2282Jardin Yili, le jardin chinois caché dans les Yvelines -  A7C2282 Le Jardin Yili, the unusual Chinese garden hidden away in the Yvelines
Jardin Yili is the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France. Head for Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, about 33 km from Paris, for a change of scenery. Discover this 10,000 m² green space, imbued with spirituality and tranquility, where you can discover the art of Chinese gardens and immerse yourself in a feng shui setting inspired by age-old traditions. [Read more]

Le Château de la Madeleine à Chevreuse  - IMG 8924Le Château de la Madeleine à Chevreuse  - IMG 8924Le Château de la Madeleine à Chevreuse  - IMG 8924Le Château de la Madeleine à Chevreuse  - IMG 8924 Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]

Montfort l'Amaury : le charmant village, trésor médiéval des YvelinesMontfort l'Amaury : le charmant village, trésor médiéval des YvelinesMontfort l'Amaury : le charmant village, trésor médiéval des YvelinesMontfort l'Amaury : le charmant village, trésor médiéval des Yvelines Montfort l'Amaury: the charming village, a medieval treasure in Yvelines
On the edge of the Rambouillet forest, Montfort l'Amaury reveals 1000 years of history. Discover this medieval village, its historic monuments and the charm of its cobbled streets. [Read more]

Village de Rochefort en Yvelines -  A7C0224Village de Rochefort en Yvelines -  A7C0224Village de Rochefort en Yvelines -  A7C0224Village de Rochefort en Yvelines -  A7C0224 Rochefort en Yvelines, the pretty medieval village and its treasures to discover in the Chevreuse Valley
Rochefort-en-Yvelines, a charming medieval village in the south of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, invites you to explore its rich history. If you're a lover of heritage and discovery walks, we invite you to join us in strolling the cobbled streets and discovering its feudal past. [Read more]

Le Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines rouvre ses portes et devient gratuit aux moins de 18 ansLe Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines rouvre ses portes et devient gratuit aux moins de 18 ansLe Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines rouvre ses portes et devient gratuit aux moins de 18 ansLe Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines rouvre ses portes et devient gratuit aux moins de 18 ans Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [Read more]

Des balades à dos de poney dans la Vallée de Chevreuse, à la ferme du Vieux Moulin (91)Des balades à dos de poney dans la Vallée de Chevreuse, à la ferme du Vieux Moulin (91)Des balades à dos de poney dans la Vallée de Chevreuse, à la ferme du Vieux Moulin (91)Des balades à dos de poney dans la Vallée de Chevreuse, à la ferme du Vieux Moulin (91) Pony rides in the Vallée de Chevreuse, at Ecurie du Moulin Neuf (91)
In Villiers-le-Bâcle, the Ecurie du Moulin Neuf offers children the chance to ride a pony for an hour through the Vallée de Chevreuse. [Read more]

Le Brunch animé du Château de Méridon -  A7C0559Le Brunch animé du Château de Méridon -  A7C0559Le Brunch animé du Château de Méridon -  A7C0559Le Brunch animé du Château de Méridon -  A7C0559 Château de Méridon in the Vallée de Chevreuse: a new showcase for gastronomic events
Château de Méridon, the jewel in the crown of the Vallée de Chevreuse in the Yvelines, is reinventing itself. After major renovation work, a new direction focused on experiences awaits us. So, in addition to weddings and other private events, the Château is launching star-studded dinners and brunches for you to discover. [Read more]

L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay par Paris Society - les photos -  A7C7272 2L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay par Paris Society - les photos -  A7C7272 2L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay par Paris Society - les photos -  A7C7272 2L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay par Paris Society - les photos -  A7C7272 2 Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay by Paris Society unveiled, discover the exceptional hotel
The Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, located in Cernay-la-Ville (Yvelines), has undergone a metamorphosis. Bought out by Paris Society, it's a veritable luxury hotel with a host of assets, including no fewer than 4 restaurants and 2 bars. We take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]

Le Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de ChevreuseLe Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de ChevreuseLe Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de ChevreuseLe Sentier des maréchaux, la balade pédagogique en Vallée de Chevreuse Le Sentier des Maréchaux, the educational forest walk in the Chevreuse Valley
How about exploring the Sentier des maréchaux in the Vallée de Chevreuse? Just an hour from Paris, we're off on an educational walk through the Rambouillet forest, where nature and history meet. [Read more]

Village de Dampierre en Yvelines  - IMG 0845Village de Dampierre en Yvelines  - IMG 0845Village de Dampierre en Yvelines  - IMG 0845Village de Dampierre en Yvelines  - IMG 0845 The charming Village of Dampierre en Yvelines and its treasures to discover
Dampierre en Yvelines, nestled in the heart of two valleys, reveals its charms with its majestic castle, picturesque hamlets and rich heritage. This village is a must-see for history and nature lovers. We reveal its treasures for you to discover. [Read more]

Janvry, le charmant village au Parc animalier gratuit et animationsJanvry, le charmant village au Parc animalier gratuit et animationsJanvry, le charmant village au Parc animalier gratuit et animationsJanvry, le charmant village au Parc animalier gratuit et animations Janvry, a picturesque village with a free wildlife park and events in the Chevreuse Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse in the Regional Nature Park, Janvry in Essonne is an undiscovered nugget. With its farmland and heritage, including the Louis XIII-style château and the church of Notre Dame du Mont Carmel, this village of 600 inhabitants knows how to surprise its visitors. In fact, to everyone's surprise, it offers a free animal park and great events all year round. [Read more]

Les Jardins de Sonja au Perray-en-Yvelines -  A7C4938Les Jardins de Sonja au Perray-en-Yvelines -  A7C4938Les Jardins de Sonja au Perray-en-Yvelines -  A7C4938Les Jardins de Sonja au Perray-en-Yvelines -  A7C4938 Discovering Sonja's Gardens: A four-season Eden in Perray-en-Yvelines
Les Jardins de Sonja, a veritable botanical Eden in Le Perray-en-Yvelines, has been delighting garden lovers since 1980. Discover these sublime hidden gardens with their multiple settings, imagined by landscape designer Sonja Gauron. [Read more]

Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083Sentier découverte de Maincourt - Vallée de Chevreuse -  A7C4083 The Maincourt Trail, a Natural Oasis in the Chevreuse Valley to discover
The Vallée de Chevreuse is home to a natural gem, the Sentier de Maincourt, a stone's throw from the Château de Dampierre. Accessible all year long by families, even with strollers and people with reduced mobility, this jewel offers a beautiful nature walk between fauna and flora, only 40 minutes from Paris. [Read more]

The Vallée de Chevreuse doesn't stop at its natural and cultural heritage! It also has a rich culinary heritage to discover. Numerous farms produce in the Vallée de Chevreuse and sell locally. You can taste and buy farm products such as home-made jams, beers brewed in the park, cheeses and dairy products, honey, bread, vegetables and fruit juices. The Vallée de Chevreuse is a real treasure trove to discover. Whether for its natural, cultural or culinary heritage, there's always something to discover. So don't hesitate, come and discover the treasures of the Vallée de Chevreuse!"

Le Château de Monte-Cristo, l'ancienne demeure d'Alexandre Dumas Le Château de Monte-Cristo, l'ancienne demeure d'Alexandre Dumas Le Château de Monte-Cristo, l'ancienne demeure d'Alexandre Dumas Le Château de Monte-Cristo, l'ancienne demeure d'Alexandre Dumas What to do in Yvelines? Heritage, places and activities to discover
Want to get to know Paris Region better? This time, we're taking you on a trip to the Yvelines to discover its heritage, places to visit, must-do activities and the best deals of the moment. From castles to walks and good addresses, here's what's waiting for you in the 78. [Read more]

Practical information

Recommended age
For all

Comments
Refine your search
Refine your search
Refine your search
Refine your search