The Porte des Gondi is the last surviving remnant of the château built by Albert de Gondi and is listed as a historic monument. An interpretation trail at the gate explains the town’s history. Together with Saint-Lubin Church, the Relais de Postes and the Batterie de Noisy-le-Roi, it offers a glimpse into different chapters of local history. Historic buildings, walking trails and green spaces provide a range of options to consider when planning your visit.
Churches, the château and local history
The history of Saint-Lubin Church dates back to the time of Albert de Gondi. When the former parish church became his château chapel, he had the present-day church built outside his château to compensate the parishioners. Alfred Sisley painted Saint-Lubin in 1873. The church is thus linked both to the local parish’s history and to a specific chapter in art history.
The Relais de Postes probably dates from the 17th century and served as a post station on the road from Paris to Normandy. It points to a different aspect of local history than Saint-Lubin: postal services between Paris and Normandy. The cautious dating is part of the account; the Relais is thought to date from the 17th century.
The Batterie de Noisy-le-Roi was built in 1875 and was one of the eleven defensive works in the so-called Positions de la Forêt de Marly. Its now-filled-in ditches have been turned into a footpath. Here, the site’s former military function and the ditches’ later use as a path sit side by side.
The Centaure offers a different perspective: the sculpture depicts a horse-man and stands in the middle of the Rond-point des ChĂŞnes. It was created by Serge Manceau and inaugurated in September 1989. The commemorative plaque marking the Appeal of 18 June 1940 is another historical landmark: it was unveiled at the corner of Rue Le Bourblanc and Avenue De Gaulle.
The history of the Couvent des Cordeliers began in 1599, after the Cordeliers replaced the Minims, who had previously served at the chapel. The complex included a cloister, a chapel, and extensive gardens, vegetable plots and orchards. The community continued to exist thanks to donations and religious services until the French Revolution. The different features give an impression of how monastic life and garden spaces formed part of this historic complex.
Walking trails and different destinations
The Sentier des Gondi is 10.5 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of three hours. The walking route leads to the remains of the Gondi château in Noisy-le-Roi. If you are planning a visit focused on the history of the château, this is a clear point of interest.
Parcours 5 from Noisy-le-Roi or Bailly to Versailles is 7.3 kilometres long and starts at Stade Sibano in Noisy-le-Roi. The two routes lead to different destinations: the Sentier des Gondi takes you to the château remains in Noisy-le-Roi, while Parcours 5 runs to Versailles. When comparing the options, base your choice on these destinations and the route information provided for each.
The Rose Garden and finding your way around
The parkland south of the château, which includes the Parc de la Roseraie, was laid out as a public space in 1984. The Rose Garden features various tree species and flowerbeds. If you are looking for a landscape-focused experience alongside the historic buildings, the Rose Garden offers a different focus: planting and park design rather than château or military history.
The orientation board is on the Terrasse Sisley, near the Porte de Gally. It helps visitors locate nearby historic sites and buildings that are listed or registered as heritage sites. It thus complements the individual historic sites with a practical reference point for finding your way around town.
Discover more destinations
Houilles, Port-Villez, Sonchamp, Boissets, Le Mesnil-Saint-Denis, Gressey, Lommoye, Mareil-sur-Mauldre
For the main travel overview: Yvelines.
