From the château into the forest: terraces, Mare aux Canes and Notre-Dame des Anglais
The tourist office's classic: from Le Nôtre's terrace and its view of Paris straight into the royal hunting forest and back.
Photo: Office de Tourisme Saint Germain Boucles de Seine
Distance
7 km
Time
1 h 30
Difficulty
Easy
Start
Gates of the Domaine national, opposite the RER A station exit (château side)
Past
the French gardens and the Pavillon Henri IV, the Petite Terrasse, its vineyard and the toposcope, the Grande Terrasse to the royal gate, the Château du Val, the Mare aux Canes and the Étoile d'Actéon, Notre-Dame des Anglais, the oak where James II prayed in exile
Season
All year. The English garden at the end of the route is currently closed (heat-weakened trees), so return through the gardens instead. Forest roads can be muddy after rain.
With children
Forest roads and paths; the Sentier de la Salamandre (Sentier du Val) branch is the family-friendly discovery trail.
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