Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest

Located north-west of Paris, just 25 minutes on the RER train, this former royal hunting ground is a 3,500-hectare oasis offering magnificent walks that combine history and nature.

A royal history

The forest owes its present name to Saint Germain, bishop of Paris, who lived here as a recluse in the 6th century. The forest subsequently became a royal domain favoured for stag and fox hunting. Francis I, then Louis XV, built the hunting lodge La Muette. To discover it, take the Grande Terrasse, imagined by Le Nôtre; over 2km long, it offers an exceptional view of the west of Paris.

Sport or stroll

Enjoy hundreds of kilometres of forest paths for a real breath of fresh air. You may stumble across the former Loges Convent or the fairytale Château du Val.

To discover the different species of trees, follow the salamander route markings (the emblem of François I), that will guide you on a 2.5 km walk. Budding ornithologists can observe the rich fauna along the banks of the Etang du Corra pond, busy with ducks, coots and geese.

And every summer since 1652 the Fête des Loges, one of the oldest funfairs in France, has been held in the forest.

Discover Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.