Weekend bike ride in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse

Once your train reaches Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse at the end of the RER B line, head straight for the Maison de l’Aiguillage hire shop opposite the station to collect an e-bike for your adventure. There’s a whole range to choose from, from mountain bikes and ETs to family cargo bikes. Whatever you need, there’s something here for everyone.

The Natural Park of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse is partnering with Lebonpicnic.com to give taste to your discovery of the Park and to support the local trade. Until 6pm the day before your visit, order online your gourmet basket to be collected from a local shopkeeper in Saint-Remy-lès-Chevreuse, Chevreuse or Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines. Combine the discovery of local products with a responsible approach!

At an incline of over 10%, getting up the hill to the impressive Château de La Madeleine is no walk in the park. But the view over the valley once you get there makes it all worth it! Make the most of your efforts with a tour of the medieval castle, where the ramparts and towers are still in excellent condition. The fortress, which stood here through the Hundred Years’ War, is now home to the Maison du Parc where you can learn all about this protected natural area, its history, and its wildlife.

You get another chance for a short stop a few miles on with an educational walk along the Maincourt-sur-Yvette discovery trail. Complete with signage and information boards to make it accessible for all, the route follows a tranquil waterway and lets you in on the secrets of the local wildlife. If you’re quiet – and patient – you might even be lucky enough to see some migrating birds.

On the second day of your short stay in Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, you’ll get the chance to explore the Château de Dampierre just a stone’s throw from your gîte.

Featuring work by Jules Hardouin Mansart and Le Nôtre, two of the greats of 17th-century architecture and garden design, the estate has been home to no less than three kings (Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV) who were said to love the peace and quiet of its vast grounds. Don’t miss out on the exhibition of horse and carriage equipment, which has all been taken from the owner’s private collection.

After that, it’s back on the bikes and off to Cernay-la-Ville for lunch. The Ferme du Bout des Prés serves up a “rustic” lunch of terrines, a hog roast, and apple tart. Perfect for an afternoon energy boost!

The last leg of your weekend adventure is a trip to the historic estate of the Château de Breteuil. Step back into the 18th century as you wander through the rooms, and get up close and personal with some of the famous faces that have stayed here over the years or had a connection to this prestigious family, with waxworks of Marcel Proust, Louis XVIII, and even Edward VII, future King of England. A visit to the gardens, meanwhile, is an adventure into the fairytales of Charles Perrault. Puss in Boots, Cinderella, Bluebeard and Little Thumb are all here to entertain younger visitors – and older ones, too! – with their wonderful tales, in short plays staged around the castle.