Discover Yvelines along its trails

Yvelines can be explored along its trails, with opportunities to enjoy nature on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. The département has 1,294 kilometers of walking trails. In addition, six GR long-distance trails, two GRP regional trails and more than 40 PR short-distance trails cross Yvelines. The kilometer figure conveys the scale of the walking trail network; the different trail categories offer a broader picture of how routes are designated. When planning, you can decide whether to explore Yvelines on foot, by bicycle or on a guided horseback activity.

Yvelines has 850 kilometers of cycling infrastructure. The cycling route map also includes 150 kilometers of trails along the Seine. The two figures emphasize different aspects: one describes the cycling infrastructure as a whole, while the other covers riverside trails included in the cycling route map.

From river valleys to the forest massif

The landscapes of Yvelines combine valleys and the Seine corridor with rolling farmland and the Rambouillet forest massif. The valleys themselves also feature a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, meadows and limestone grasslands. This diversity makes nature and landscapes a distinct area to explore, alongside the well-known châteaux and gardens. If you are particularly interested in habitats and natural areas, Yvelines is also home to Espaces naturels sensibles (sensitive natural areas).

These Espaces naturels sensibles cover 2,800 hectares, and a large proportion of the sites are open to the public. A map presents 24 sites and provides information on how to get to and explore them. The Parc naturel régional de la Vallée de Chevreuse has nearly 750 kilometers of hiking trails. The map and trails in the regional natural park therefore provide practical ways to make natural areas and hiking trails key parts of your trip.

Guided outings by horse, pony or carriage are offered in the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse. The outings last half a day or a full day. This gives you a clear indication of the time required when including this activity in your plans. Providers and dates may change; check the current options before making plans.

Gardens, châteaux and archaeology

The cultural sites each tell a different story. The gardens of Versailles were created and laid out by André Le Nôtre from 1661 onward. The Château de Rambouillet served successively as a royal, imperial and presidential residence. The Château de la Madeleine, meanwhile, was built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Garden design, a changing history of residences and medieval architecture each offer a different perspective on the heritage of Yvelines.

At the Domaine national du château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Musée d’Archéologie nationale displays collections spanning prehistory to the early Middle Ages. The museum is next to the royal château and its gardens. Access to some galleries may be restricted at times; check which areas are open before your visit. This allows you to take both the archaeological focus and the historic complex into account when planning.

Getting around

Tram T13 connects with more than 20 major bus routes in Yvelines. If you plan to use these connections during your trip, check current travel conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Beynes, Maisons-Laffitte, Orgerus, Raizeux, St. Arnoult-En-Yvelines, Tilly, Rambouillet, Voisins-Le-Bretonneux, Villennes-Sur-Seine, Versailles, Vélizy-Villacoublay, Trappes, Saint-Germain-En-Laye, Saint-Cyr-Lʼécole, Poissy, Plaisir, Orgeval, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, Montfort-Lʼamaury, Montesson, Milon-La-Chapelle, Magny-Les-Hameaux, Louveciennes, Le Vésinet, Les Mureaux, Les-Loges-En-Josas, Épône, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Coignières, Chevreuse, Chatou, Cernay-La-Ville, Carrières-Sous-Poissy, Bougival, Achères, Auffargis, Villiers-Le-Mahieu, Guyancourt, Le Pecq, Gambais, La Celle-Les-Bordes, Thiverval-Grignon, Maurepas, Le Chesnay, Houilles, Houdan, La Verrière, Chambourcy, Mézières-Sur-Seine, Carrières-Sur-Seine, Buc, Rolleboise, Bois-D’arcy, Chanteloup-Les-Vignes, Magnanville, Le Port-Marly, Mantes-La-Jolie, Le Perray-En-Yvelines, Ablis, Jouy-En-Josas, La Boissière-Ecole, Chaufour-Lès-Bonnières, Saint-Léger-En-Yvelines, Meulan-En-Yvelines, Saint-Lambert, Davron, Bailly, Poigny-La-Forêt, Rochefort-En-Yvelines, Bennecourt, Port-Villez, Mittainville, Villette, Les Granges-Le-Roi, Prunay-En-Yvelines, Grosrouvre, Boissets, Lommoye, Le Mesnil-Le-Roi, Andrésy, Garancières, Sonchamp, St Rémy Lès Chevreuse, Bullion, Gazeran, Thoiry, Sailly, Grandchamp, Marly-Le-Roi, Vernouillet, Mareil-Marly, Chavenay, Hermeray, Auteuil, Saint-Illiers-La-Ville, Le Tremblay-Sur-Mauldre, Saint-Illiers-Le-Bois, Noisy-Le-Roi, Moisson, Perdreauville, Triel-Sur-Seine, Flexanville, Arnouville-Lès-Mantes, Clairefontaine-En-Yvelines, Croissy-Sur-Seine, Limetz-Villez, L’Étang-la-Ville, Châteaufort, Les Bréviaires, Montainville, Gressey, Neauphle-le-Château, Les Essarts-le-Roi, Dampierre-en-Yvelines, Feucherolles, Blaru, Montalet-le-Bois, Mareil-sur-Mauldre, Paray-Douaville, Bouafle, Morainvilliers, Le Mesnil-Saint-Denis, Hargeville, La Celle-Saint-Cloud

For the wider travel overview: Ile-De-France.