While summer often rhymes with beautiful outings, some of the hikes in the Paris region are just as enjoyable when the cold weather sets in. And while Paris and the surrounding region have many itineraries to be enjoyed in winter, we’d like to introduce you to an 18-kilometre trail between Poissy and L’Étang-le-Roi in the Paris region. Put on your walking shoes, here’s one of the most beautiful winter walks in the region.
This hike, 30 kilometers from Paris, is the perfect winter stroll.
In the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse, in the footsteps of the Impressionists or along the banks of the Loing, the Île-de-France region is bursting with great adventure ideas all around Paris. From simple trails to major multi-day trails, there’s plenty to do in the region. And today, we’re taking a look at an itinerary featured in Randopolitain, a veritable compendium of great walks in and around Greater Paris.
From Poissy, in the Yvelines department, you leave the banks of the Seine and head for the forest. But before you get there, you have to climb some slopes! Just past the station, you pass through this former royal town with its rich medieval past. Notable remains include the piers of a bridge that withstood the Hundred Years’ War but was destroyed during the Second World War, and the collegiate church where Saint Louis was baptized.
After a brief passage through the forest along the old Grande Ceinture railway line, you have to cross the A14 freeway. While this is not a dangerous obstacle, it is not a pleasant one. Nevertheless, this passage leads to the village of Chambourcy, famous throughout France for the ingenious idea of using unsold fruit to make yoghurt. Today, orchards still survive here and there, accessible via footpaths and narrow lanes.
Along the way, a number of unexpected discoveries are made, such as the charming valley of the little Buzot stream, which offers a veritable bowl of nature. Suddenly, the forest becomes your companion for the rest of the day. The Marly state forest is a veritable natural showcase, but its rugged terrain puts hikers’ legs to the test. The trails wind up and down, crossing streams that feed wooded valleys and a multitude of ponds essential to local biodiversity. A demanding but magical adventure for nature lovers!
It’s up to you! Don’t forget to bring good shoes and something to eat along the 18 kilometers!