The 3 most beautiful hikes to do in the French Vexin

Want to escape on the western side of Paris? We offer some of the most beautiful hikes in the French Vexin.

The French Vexin is a little different territory. Located northwest of Île-de-France, on horseback on the department of Val d’Oise and that of Yvelines, it is famous for its natural and architectural heritage. Moreover, it has been classified Regional Natural Park since 1995.

If you want to explore at best its 71,000 hectares, take advantage of the local hiking trails. Between limestone, marshes and forests, valleys of the Sausseron or Viosne, nearly a thousand kilometers of paths are built.

Wanderlix wanted to offer you one of the most attractive descriptions of them. Controlled bags? Wrapped shoes? Filled gourdes? Top departure : here are the most beautiful hikes in the French Vexin.

1. Trail of the Seine

This pretty hike in the French Vexin departs from the village of Vétheuil where the painter Claude Monet has drawn up more than a hundred paintings. The town is located in a meander of the Seine and your itinerary will take you between undergrowth, tufted forests and limestone plateau.

A beautiful, easy and well-marked track offers stunning views of this river with tortured form. You will then follow the GR2 sections (rather frequented, especially in the summer) to La Roche-Guyon.

This picturesque village has been overlooking the banks of the Seine Valley for more than a millennium. Particularity of the place? La Roche-Guyon is the only village in the Paris region to be ranked among the most beautiful in France.

Its medieval castle surmounted by a dungeon makes visitors to the top of a limestone cliff. If you have any time left, could you complete your ride with a visit from the latter?

2. Between Sherence and La Roche-Guyon

This variant of the previous route starts from the village of Chérence. This time, you will have the opportunity to explore the right bank of the Seine by crossing an amazing, scary landscape.

This jewel of the Paris basin is today a natural reserve a few kilometers (or hours of walking) from Paris . Nearly 500 plant species have been identified as well as raptors such as the pilgrim falcon or the apivorous bondage.

The route along these south-facing hillsides will lead you to La Roche-Guyon where you can follow the prestigious trail of the municipal heritage.

You will discover the seigneurial hall, a splendid sculpted fountain and the famous "boves". These cavities dug to the rock sheltered the first inhabitants of this sublime territory...

This hike in the French Vexin can also be complemented by a discovery of the French gardens of the eighteenth century which make the village proud.

3. The circuit of the Five Castles

This loop has only a small denived and is performed easily with family . Among the best hikes in the French Vexin, the circuit of the Five Castles stands out by its marked historical side.

The walkers who love heritage will stop to go to Arthies (which is pronounced “ Arty »). The first castle dates from the end of the seventh century!

Following the PR marking, you will cross the town of Maudétour-en-Vexin (and hop! An additional castle at the entrance of the village) to Villiers-en-Arthies. It has two properties previously reserved for the rich lords.

Your journey will make you cross the woods of the Bucaille, a former royal forest now accessible to the uncapped who, however, will be more comfortable in boots!

The route includes portions in often wet forest (we are in the heart of a rainy territory) and muddy. We recommend this rando for one. Fall escape : what fabulous colors...