About twenty kilometers from Paris, the Montmorency Forest offers one of the greenest nature getaways in the Val-d’Oise. Covering nearly 1, 970 hectares, this rolling forest alternates between long avenues, chestnut groves, ponds, and scenic overlooks. It’s a particularly appealing destination in the summer, when the many shaded trails allow you to walk for several hours without straying too far from the capital.
The site has also just gained additional protection. Following a decree signed on March 30, 2026, the Montmorency Forest is officially classified as a “protection forest.” The area in question covers 2,154 hectares and spans fifteen municipalities. This status makes it possible, in particular, to provide long-term protection for the forest against urbanization in an area subject to intense pressure for land development.
The Montmorency Forest: Nearly 2,000 hectares to explore
The forest is ideal for everything from a one-hour stroll to a longer hike. There are several entry points from Saint-Prix, Montlignon, Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, Bouffémont, or Domont, with numerous trails and forest paths. For a first visit, the Château de la Chasse area is a good starting point. This former hunting lodge, surrounded by a pond, is located in the heart of the forest and provides easy access to several trails.
The terrain includes a few climbs but remains accessible to most hikers. The landscapes change rapidly between plateaus, valleys, and wetter areas. With nearly six million visitors each year according to the ONF, Montmorency is also the most visited forest in the Val-d’Oise.
A chestnut forest undergoing a major transformation
Chestnut trees account for about 70% of the forest stand, a characteristic directly linked to the history of the mountain range. Its wood was once used to make stakes for vineyards, barrel hoops, and even firewood.
This dense population is now a vulnerability. The forest is affected by ink disease, which attacks the roots of chestnut trees and causes them to die off. For several years now, the ONF has been conducting sanitary thinning and replanting various tree species to make the forest more resilient.
Just outside Paris, this vast green space—covering 2,000 hectares—is among the most beautiful nature getaways to enjoy from the capital.
Location: Montmorency State Forest, access via the Château de la Chasse, 179 rue de Paris, 95680 Montlignon
Hours: Open year-round, subject to temporary closures due to forestry work or hunting operations.