Two weeks ago, our baby boy turned 2 months old! The weather wasn’t too bad, so we decided to celebrate this day outside. We didn’t want to travel too far, but we wanted to be surrounded by nature. Located at no more than 45 minutes from our place, we naturally chose to explore the beautiful Park of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, in the Yvelines department. The Vallée de Chevreuse is one of the 53 French regional natural parks. This park, the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, was the first created in the Île-de-France region.
Ready to discover what to see and what to do in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse?
Vaux de Cernay Abbey
I am so glad we had the opportunity to visit the stunning Vaux de Cernay abbey. Needless to say, we were thrilled to discover this place.
This abbey is surely one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Ile de France region. It is set in the heart of the beautiful Chevreuse valley and there is a wide variety of things to see and do in the area. A perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend any time of the year.
The Vaux de Cernay abbey was founded in 1118 by monks from the Savigny Abbey in northern France. The abbey was later attached to the Cistercian order and experienced its greatest period of prosperity in the 12thand 13thcenturies. After the Hundred Years’ War, the place was abandoned. The abbey was then restored during the 17thand 18thcenturies but eventually, was declared national property after the French Revolution.
Listed as a historical monument since 1994, the Vaux de Cernay abbey is now a charming hotel and a gastronomic restaurant. It is also known among locals as an idyllic wedding venue (and what a romantic setting for a wedding!).
If you simply wish to discover the outside beauty of the structure, then you are free to go for a walk on its premises. It is open every day all year round. If you want to visit the interior of the Abbey, you can also book a guided tour (Sundays only). More info here.
Chevreuse
Located on the banks of the Yvette river, Chevreuse is a lovely town overlooked by the Madeleine castle.
Although the town is very small, there are plenty of things to do. You can visit the town and the Madeleine castle, but the main attraction there is “the promenade of the little bridges” (“Promenade des Petits ponts” in French) along the Yvette river.
There is also another attraction worth to experience in this town. The Alchimiste offers workshops where you can learn how to create your own syrup.
Breteuil Castle
Built at the beginning of the 17th century, the Breteuil castle is known as the castle of Charles Perrault’s fairy tales. The castle possesses 50 wax figures from the Grevin museum. Seven of Charles Perrault’s fairy tales and twenty wax figures of its characters are on display in the outbuildings: The Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, the Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, Bluebeard, Little Thumb and Donkey skin. The gardens are very nice and there is even a maze for the children.
Le Domaine de Dampierre
Built by the architect of King Louis XIV, Jules-Hardouin Mansart, in the 17th century, the Dampierre castle was the property of the Luynes family from 1663 to 2018. The domain was bought by a member of the Mulliez family in 2018.
Although you cannot visit the interior of the castle yet, you can explore the rest of the domain. There are few activities possible; you can do some boating on the 7-acre pond, enjoy a carriage ride or even book a safari photo! In fact, the park possesses many wild boars and deer.
Hiking & Cycling
The Chevreuse valley possesses many hiking and biking trails (and also horseback trails!).
The free mobile app Sitytrail, a hiking GPS tracking application, lists more than 50 hiking trails in the Chevreuse Valley only.
For those who don’t own a bicycle, it is possible to rent a classic or electric bike in Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse with the company Ecox.
Where to stay and where to eat?
Last but not least, ‘Dormir en vallee de Chevreuse’ is an association that promotes tourism inside the park. On their website, you’ll find a list of B&B, cottages and holiday rentals, and a list of the restaurants in the Chevreuse valley.
Where? South of the Yvelines department.
Access from Paris? By car or by RERB direction Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse (terminus).You can access the main attractions with the tourist bus ‘Baladobus’ from Rambouillet or Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse, or you can rent a bicycle with the company ‘Ecox’.
For more travel inspiration in France, visit my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/paris_kathmandu/
Pin this article to read it later:
