Do you want to discover the French heritage? Direction La Roche-Guyon, city of character and history.
Visiting La Roche-Guyon is visiting the beautiful village Francis. And it’s not for nothing. Indeed, this small town northwest of Mantes-la-Jolie has a very impressive historical heritage.
Its debut dates back to the Middle Ages. The building of a first troglodytic castle triggered the true history of La Roche-Guyon. Then, in the 13th century, new elements were added to this construction, until it was destroyed, in order to form the current castle. Today, visiting the Roche-Guyon allows to reconnect to this story rich in bounces. Then go to the discovery of this city in ancient history and immerse yourself in its natural atmosphere. The edges of the Seine Are they also magical, so why do you deprive yourself of it? France really has a lot to offer, let's not be shy!
1. Château de La Roche-Guyon
Photo credit: Shutterstcok – andre quinou
This is one of the first elements that we see when we visit La Roche-Guyon: the castle. On the chalk cliffs, it stands, overlooking the city and the Seine that crosses it. As mentioned earlier, there is no longer much of the original castle, but the one who replaced it is in any case much more charming.
It is possible to visit it, and climb the 250 steps (raid) to the dungeon that connects the two buildings between them. Discover the stables, the very old square tower installed from the beginning, and the interior of the castle: library, wooden bedrooms... In short, jump in time. Also, on occasion, the castle organizes exhibitions and concerts, to give the inhabitants the opportunity to rediscover it, between lights and art.
The Garden of the Castle
In the castle enclosure, discover its gardens and especially its fruit garden. It was created in 1741 for a decorative purpose and food utility. Today it is a place of greenery where gardeners cultivate many plants of all kinds: fruit trees, aromatic herbs, vegetables... All in compliance with the product and in a pesticide-free approach. They even choose some plants to others because they attract insects that promote plant development by devouring pests.
2. Hiking in La Roche-Guyon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Delpixel
To visit La Roche-Guyon, nothing better than walking through its streets. Sure. But hiking is also a very popular way for tourists to get an idea on a place. So since, through or to the city, there are some very interesting hikes to do around La Roche-Guyon.
La Roche-Guyon, castle, forest and silex cliffs
To achieve this loop, leave the city right next to La Roche-Guyon, Amenucourt. Then it will be natural to follow the path indicated on your map, so as to discover a piece of the La Roche-Guyon regional forest; see a magnificent view of the valleys and the Seine; cross the center of the city; and to finish, bypass the castle located on the chalk cliff. The level of this hike is medium, it is suitable for children, but the 15 kilometers of this loop could fatigue them before arrival.
Between the nature reserve of the Seine and the Epte
A little longer than the previous, and much more difficult, this 22-kilometre trail from La Roche-Guyon will delight you. Indeed, at the start of the center, it will make you travel the banks of the Seine, climb some coasts and discover the surrounding nature. From the rags in the middle of the deer bath, you may cross a few wild animals, because much of the trail is in the Vexin Regional Natural Park. However, if the tar is in unavoidable places, you will have another glimpse of the region, so close to Paris . Then you will follow the banks of the Epte, a pretty river north of La Roche-Guyon. In any event, plan a map and a journey for this hike so you don’t lose it!
3. Arboretum de La Roche-Guyon
Photo credit: Flickr – nicolas canonne
For those who do not yet know, the tree is a botanical garden, where each species is labeled, and often also studied. It is a space dedicated to nature, where you can move freely, or follow the established paths. Visiting La Roche-Guyon without stopping at its Arboretum is a mistake.
It spreads over 13 hectares and represents the whole of Île-de-France, thanks to an arrangement of space designed to resume the departmental geography of the region. Each department is embodied by special species, from Yvelines to the Seine-et-Marne. So find species of leaves or thorn trees, as well as shrubs and even bamboo! The Arboretum will have fun for the little ones like the big ones, don’t hesitate to stop there.
4. Parc naturel régional du Vexin français
Photo credit: Shutterstock – bensliman hassan
The French Vexin Regional Natural Park covers no less than 71,000 hectares. At the west end, there is the pretty town of La Roche-Guyon. Fully anchored within the natural territory, La Roche-Guyon encompasses a small part of the nature of the park, up to its Arboretum.
Moreover, the park is recognized for the quality of its landscapes, but especially the heritages that are included. This is the case of La Roche-Guyon, because remember that this village is one of the most beautiful in France, the only presence in France. But beyond the heritage to be discovered, it is also a story of nature: fauna, flora,... It’s a whole biodiversity that needs to be explored!
5. Chemin des Peintres de La Roche-Guyon
Photo credit: Flickr – Patrick MOREL
If visiting La Roche-Guyon attracts you, know that many artists-peintres preceded you. De Picasso To Monet by Renoir, discover the works of these artists who have resided in La Roche-Guyon or those who have just passed there.
On a small journey of less than 3 kilometers bordering the Seine, admire these impressionist, cubist and divisionist paintings. This is a pretty way to raise awareness of the art of painting, or to rediscover it, for the greatest. In addition, it gives you a pleasant view of what inspired the artist, inspiring yourself.
6. Triglodyte Careers and Habitats
Photo credit: Flickr – Michel
One of the peculiarities of the soil of the city of La Roche-Guyon is that it lends itself widely to the troglodyte constructions. As mentioned, the current castle is lying on the ancient troglodytic castle. But there are still some remains of these formations. For example, walking around the village, you should fall on these old streets, called Charrières, dug at the chalk cliff.
Along these streets, which once connected the lower part of the village to the Route des Crêtes, you can discover the boves. These are ancient troglodyte habitats. But do not misunderstand it, it was in fact to exploit them for the sapper and as stables for the beasts. La Roche-Guyon is one of the most representative villages of this type of training and exploitation.
How to get to La Roche-Guyon?
By car:
- From Mantes-la-Jolie : follow the D147 and the D913 (16 kilometers).
- De Paris : follow the A14, the A13 and the D913 (75 kilometers).
- From Rouen : follow the N39, the A13 and the D913 (78 kilometers).
In public transport:
- Baladobus : from May to September, from Cergy-Pontoise (4 € per day)
- Bus lines 95.11 and 95.42
- Transilien : line J to Mantes-la-Jolie, then take the regular shuttle to La Roche-Guyon
Where to stay in La Roche-Guyon?
Despite a small size, it is not complicated to find accommodation in La Roche-Guyon. But a warm welcome will be reserved for you in the guest room The Damiers . Located in a renovated house of the 1930s, this guest room has all the comforts necessary to make you spend pleasant nights. In a green environment, with its large garden and fruit trees, the building stands itself covered with natural foliage. Also watch from the house a view of the park of Vexin and the castle of La Roche-Guyon.
Otherwise, you can book your eyes closed at the hotel Seine banks , having its own restaurant. With remarkable and modern comfort, the hotel offers a view of all La Roche-Guyon, its cliffs, park and castle. Housing prices in La Roche-Guyon are quite affordable, even in the family.
You can also choose an apartment Airbnb . However, take a few minutes on one Compare hotels to get the best price at the best time!
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