Best attractions and places to see around La Hauteville include historical landmarks and natural areas. This rural village in the Yvelines department of France is situated on the edge of the Rambouillet forest and borders the Regional Natural Park of the Upper Chevreuse Valley. The area offers a blend of preserved rural architecture and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore historical sites and natural features within a serene setting.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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The Moulin de Mormoulins is a watermill located on the Eure River in the hamlet of Mormoulins. This mill dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is a listed historical monument. You can admire the old stone building, the wooden wheel, and the canal that diverts water from the river as you pass in front of the mill. The mill is surrounded by green fields and trees, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
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Built at the end of the 12th century by the Counts of Montfort and listed as a Historic Monument since 1889, the Houdan Tower was used to watch for enemies and defend the territory. The Keep consists of a 15 m diameter and 21 m high tower, flanked by four turrets of the same height located at the four cardinal points. From the 16th century until the French Revolution, the Keep served as a prison, and executions took place at the foot of the Tower. The first water reservoir was installed in the tower in 1880. The second, built in 1952, is still visible. Tours are available on certain days.
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Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul The construction of the church is said to have been initiated by Don Roger, abbot of the very powerful Benedictine abbey of Coulombs from 1115 to 1174. At that time, the abbey stood near Nogent-le-Roi, a former fortified town located twelve kilometers away on the banks of the Eure. Spread over more than 80 parishes, it had a considerable influence in the region until the Revolution, whether from a religious, economic or social point of view. The Romanesque style that it had adopted since its original construction was reworked in the 16th century by the opening of tall Gothic windows around the choir. Finally, in the following century, during the Wars of Religion, the church suffered serious damage. When peace returned, the entrance porch was finally rebuilt in the elegant Renaissance style. In 1950, a fire destroyed the church and all its furniture; it was restored at the end of the 20th century.
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With its curiously crowned square tower, this charming church boasts a flamboyant Gothic style. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, it preserves a remarkable collection of 16th-century stained-glass windows dedicated to Eucharistic miracles.
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The Saint-Sulpice church in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive church built in the 15th century and which was part of the defensive wall which protected the entrance to the town. You can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and its wrought iron choir inside, as well as its original tower outside. The church is located in the heart of Nogent-Le-Roi, a charming town with old half-timbered houses and a castle.
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The Church of Saint-Sulpice in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive church built in the 15th century and which formed part of the defensive wall that protected the entrance to the town. You can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and its wrought iron choir screen inside, as well as its original tower outside. The church is located in the heart of Nogent-Le-Roi, a charming town with old half-timbered houses and a castle.
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At the edge of this road a pond which forms with the forest which surrounds it a protected natural area. Each year, during the thaw (roughly from February to April), a "toadstool" is installed on the road that runs along the pond. But what is a toaddrome exactly? So, it is not a place where one could indulge in clandestine bets on toad races, but a device intended to prevent these poor beasts from being crushed by cars in crossing the road to breed and lay their eggs in the pond on the other side of the road. Indeed, thousands of common toads, but also frogs and newts, begin their long prenuptial migrations around March each year. They go to the nearest pond or pond to breed. Once their duty is done, they leave the aquatic environment to return to their summering areas where they will spend most of their time feeding. In order to avoid a carnage of amphibians on the road, a tarpaulin is planted 600m on each side of the road to block their passage. In various places a hole has been made in which a bucket is buried. By looking for a passage all along the tarpaulin, the toad will inevitably end up at the bottom of a bucket. Every morning, volunteers come to collect toads and other frogs and drop them off on the other side of the road.
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Very nice windmill, especially in good weather!
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La Hauteville is situated on the edge of the vast Forêt de Rambouillet and borders the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, offering extensive opportunities for enjoying nature. A unique natural site nearby is the Guiperreux Toad Crossing, a protected area with a pond crucial for amphibian migration.
You can explore several historical sites, including the Château de Mormoulins, which features an 18th to 19th-century watermill. Another significant landmark is The Donjon of Houdan, a 12th-century tower classified as a Historic Monument. Within La Hauteville itself, the Église paroissiale Sainte-Madeleine dates back to before 1182 and houses remarkable statues.
Yes, the area features several impressive religious buildings. The Saint-Sulpice Church of Châteaudun in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive 15th-century church known for its beautiful stained glass windows. Additionally, you can visit the beautiful church of Prouais, which has Romanesque origins and was later reworked with Gothic and Renaissance elements. In La Hauteville, the Église paroissiale Sainte-Madeleine is a historical site with statues from the 15th to 18th centuries.
The region around La Hauteville is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for different sports. For running, explore trails like the 'La Maltorne loop from La Boissière-École' or 'Château de la Boissière loop from La Hauteville'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try routes such as 'Remarkable tree - ONF – Vilpert Ponds loop from Condé-sur-Vesgre'. Cyclists have options like the 'Maintenon – Saint-Piat Mill loop from Faverolles'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the respective guides for Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Cycling around La Hauteville.
Yes, the Guiperreux Toad Crossing is a unique natural monument that can be an educational and interesting visit for families, especially during the amphibian migration season (February to April). The surrounding forests also offer easy walks suitable for families.
The region's natural beauty, particularly the Forêt de Rambouillet and the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to autumn, for outdoor activities. If you're interested in the amphibian migration at the Guiperreux Toad Crossing, late winter to early spring (February to April) is the specific time to witness this phenomenon.
La Hauteville is characterized by its preserved rural architecture, featuring court farms, traditional rural houses, pisé (rammed earth) walls, and hedgerows. This creates a unique and peaceful landscape that reflects its long history. The private Château de La Hauteville also stands as a historical testament to the local heritage.
Yes, several local markets are held in nearby towns, offering a glimpse into regional life and local produce. You can find markets in Nogent-le-Roi (Saturday), Houdan (Friday), Maintenon (Thursday), and Dreux (Wednesday, Sunday, Monday, Friday).
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. The historical sites like the Château de Mormoulins and the Saint-Sulpice Church of Châteaudun are noted for their architectural beauty and historical depth. The natural areas, such as the Forêt de Rambouillet and the unique Guiperreux Toad Crossing, are valued for their serene atmosphere and opportunities for exploration. The komoot community has shared 9 photos and given 38 upvotes, highlighting the appeal of these diverse attractions.
Within a short drive, you can reach several major attractions. The iconic Palace of Versailles is about 39 km away, and the magnificent Chartres Cathedral is approximately 30 km distant. The Château de Rambouillet, a former royal castle, is around 16 km away. For those interested in art and picturesque villages, Giverny Gardens and La Roche-Guyon (one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages') are both about 42 km away.
Absolutely. The region offers numerous routes for both cycling and mountain biking. For mountain biking, you can explore extensive trails within the Forêt de Rambouillet, with routes like 'Ponts Quentin Stream – Rompu Pond loop from Adainville'. Cyclists can enjoy longer tours such as 'Maintenon – Saint-Piat Mill loop from Faverolles'. More detailed routes are available in the Cycling around La Hauteville and MTB Trails around La Hauteville guides.


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