The Chevreuse valley is a natural region close to Paris, covering the Yvette river basin. Part of the region is protected as the Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse Regional Nature Park. In this article, we present the most beautiful hikes in the Chevreuse Valley.
1. The Fauvettes viaduct
- Distance: 10.3 km
- Height difference: 290 m
- Duration: 3 hours
- Itinerary
This itinerary forms a loop in the heart of the Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse Regional Nature Park. It's a medium-level route, accessible to all with a little effort. It's a breath of fresh air close to Paris, as you pass through woods along a well-marked path, and even over the 221 m-long, 34 m-high Fauvettes viaduct, where you can walk at treetop level. This hike has no technical difficulties (except for some mud in places after rain) and is perfectly suited to children.
2. The via Turonensis (GR®655)
- Distance: 1,500 km
- Altitude difference: 9,275 m
- Duration: 2 to 3 months
- Itinerary
The via Turonensis, or Tours route, isone of the four French pilgrimage routes to Compostela. It is not only popular with believers, but also with hikers, to the extent that it has become the GR®655, a French long-distance hiking trail. On its long route from Paris, it passes through the Chevreuse valley. So, while it may take several weeks to walk the entire via Turonensis, you can also choose to walk just a section, which will be one of your most beautiful hikes in the Chevreuse valley. And don't forget to read our advice on preparing your route to Santiago de Compostela.
3. The Chevreuse Valley loop
- Distance: 19.2 km
- Height difference: 327
- Duration : 6 h 30
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful walks in the Chevreuse valley, as it allows you to see some of the most interesting sites: villages, castles, mills, small bridges... The circuit forms a loop starting from the commune of Chevreuse. You'll then walk for almost twenty kilometers along both banks of the Yvette, making this a challenging hike. This walk combines heritage, natural sites and sporting effort, making it one of the most beautiful walks near Paris.
4. Méridon and Mauvières castles
- Distance: 11.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 261 m
- Time: 3 hrs
- Itinerary
Along this itinerary, you'll discover not one, but two châteaux. Château de Méridon dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-Renaissance style. Château de Mauvières dates back to the 17th century and belonged to the Cyrano de Bergerac family. The trail forms a medium-difficulty loop through wooded countryside. It is fairly flat, with the exception of two steep climbs, one at the beginning and the other in the middle of the route.
5. The Maincourt reed bed
- Distance: 8.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 161 m
- Duration: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
This itinerary forms a medium-difficulty loop, during which you'll be walking mainly through the woods. This makes it a good option on a hot summer's day, especially as you'll cross the Maincourt reedbed, a lovely wetland that provides plenty of fresh air. It's a hike suitable for the whole family, as there's little difference in altitude apart from a single, slightly steep climb at the start of the trail. Thanks to its varied landscapes, the Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse Regional Nature Park is an ideal hiking destination.
6. Along the Yvette
- Distance: 19.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 190 m
- Duration : 6 h 10
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Chevreuse valley, as it runs directly alongside the Yvette basin for some twenty kilometers. The itinerary is difficult because of its length, but in reality it doesn't include too many gradients or technical sections. You'll pass through beautiful countryside and woods, as well as the Maincourt reed bed, a lovely wetland. However, this is not a round-trip itinerary, so you'll need to get to the start of the hike by train, and then get off again by train from another station, heading for Paris or its suburbs. It's a beautiful hike less than an hour from Paris, accessible by public transport.
7. The Manet circuit
- Distance: 13.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 200 m
- Time: 3 hrs
- Itinerary
This medium-level hike forms a loop passing through the Bois de la Garenne, in the Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse regional nature park. It's a pleasant forest walk to ward off the summer heat. On the whole, theitinerary is flat, with short climbs, so it's the ideal place for a nice stroll close to Paris.
8. The rocks of Angennes
- Distance: 9.8 km
- Height difference: 240 m
- Duration : 2 h 30
- Itinerary
Along with the Fontainebleau forest, the Rambouillet forest is one of the most popular places in the Paris region for hiking. This medium-level route takes you deep into the forest, looping back to the starting point. In particular, you'll pass by the Rochers d'Angennes, a rocky chaos that's one of the massif's must-sees. The route is almost exclusively shaded, making it ideal in summer.
9. Rambouillet national forest
- Distance: 13.4 km
- Elevation gain: 270 m
- Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
- Itinerary
Once again, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Chevreuse valley, as, like the previous one, it passes through the Rambouillet forest. It's a medium-difficulty loop trail, fairly flat with the exception of two climbs that remain accessible. In summer, it's a great way to get out of the heat under the trees, while in autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of orange. This hike is also in the heart of the Haute Vallée de la Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, so you're invited to take steps to protect the environment.
10. Castles of the Chevreuse Valley
- Distance: 23.5 km
- Elevation gain: 235 m
- Duration: 7 h 25
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful walks in the Chevreuse valley, and well worth the effort, as it covers a substantial distance of almost 25 km. It can be completed in a full day, or you can choose to sleep in a tent at one of the many campsites along the way. If you want to eat, you can either take your own picnic or eat in one of the many restaurants along the way. Either way, this is an ideal circuit for heritage enthusiasts, as you'll be able to admire several historic castles: Coubertin, Méridon, Breteuil, Dampierre, La Madeleine... Another advantage: despite its assets, this circuit is only rarely visited.
11. L'étang du Coupe-gorge and l'étang du Gruyer
- Distance: 7.4 km
- Height difference: 100 m
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This easy trail is ideal for a family outing, or for a more leisurely outing near Paris. In fact, it's rather short and has almost no gradient. Despite this, it's a pleasant walk forming a loop in the heart of the Rambouillet forest, passing by several ponds. Please note, however, that these are dried up in summer.
