Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Forget - Top 20

The area around Saint-Forget, nestled in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for hiking, running, and road cycling. The picturesque Chevreuse Valley provides beautiful landscapes for exploration, including walks along the Yvette river.

Saint-Forget and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore the La Madeleine Castle, offering historical insights and views over the Chevreuse valley. Other notable historical sites include the 17th-century Château de Mauvières, the Saint Gilles Saint Ferréol Church with its rare 15th-century medieval frescoes, and the Oratoire du Mesnil-Sevin, built after WWII.

For panoramic views, visit the Fauvettes Viaduct, a former railway bridge that now offers magnificent vistas of the Chevreuse valley. The La Madeleine Castle also provides an exceptional view. Additionally, the Butte Ronde offers scenic rocky slabs and majestic beeches, and the Côte des 17 Tournants is known for its spectacular transition between the wooded valley and agricultural plateau.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both Dampierre-en-Yvelines Castle and La Madeleine Castle are considered family-friendly, offering historical exploration. The Fauvettes Viaduct is also a great spot for families to enjoy views and observe activities like caving and climbing.

The region is rich in natural beauty. Saint-Forget is located within the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, offering picturesque landscapes and the Yvette river. The Butte Ronde features rocky slabs and ancient beeches, and the 'Lavoir de la source aux fées' (Washhouse of the Fairies' Spring) is associated with a spring believed to have therapeutic properties. The nearby Forêt de Rambouillet also provides extensive natural areas for enjoyment.

The Côte des 17 Tournants is a section of departmental road 91 famous among cyclists for its challenging ascent and the spectacular transition it offers between the wooded valley of the Yvette and the agricultural plateau of Mesnil-Sevin. It's appreciated for both its difficulty and the scenic beauty it provides, making it a popular spot for sports enthusiasts.

Absolutely. Besides the well-known Côte des 17 Tournants, cyclists can test their limits on the Milon-la-Chapelle Wall. This climb, though short, is considered one of the steepest in the Chevreuse valley, offering a significant challenge.

The Saint Gilles Saint Ferréol Church, also known as Saint-Gilles Chapel, dates back to the 13th century, with the current structure dedicated in 1539. It is particularly significant for its remarkably preserved 15th-century medieval frescoes, discovered in 2003. These Italian-style frescoes depict scenes of the Last Judgment, a crucifixion, and local patron saints, making them a rare and important artistic testimony in the department.

Beyond the main attractions, you might discover the 'Lavoir de la source aux fées' near the Butte Ronde, a washhouse with historical spiritual significance. The Villa Ducret, an example of modern architecture from 1957 designed by André Wogenscky (a collaborator of Le Corbusier), offers a unique architectural perspective. The Oratoire du Mesnil-Sevin, a post-WWII oratory, also provides a quiet, reflective spot.

The Fauvettes Viaduct, originally built in 1913 as a railway bridge, was bombed in 1944 and later renovated for leisure activities. Today, it serves as a magnificent viewpoint over the Chevreuse valley and the Bures-sur-Yvette forest. It's also a popular spot for caving and climbing groups who use its pillars for training.

Yes, you can visit La Madeleine Castle, which offers free entry to its courtyard and provides booklets for self-guided tours, though the interior is not open to the public. The Dampierre-en-Yvelines Castle is also nearby, though it may be undergoing renovations at times.

To best experience the Chevreuse Valley, consider exploring its numerous hiking or cycling routes. These paths often follow the Yvette river, offering charming views and opportunities to discover the valley's natural beauty and historical sites like La Madeleine Castle.