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Maincourt discovery trail

An easy walk less than an hour from Paris in a calm and peaceful environment in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Park.

The Maincourt discovery trail is a short and easily accessible walk, only an hour from Paris. You can park easily, it is well indicated by signs and it is quite short (1-2h). The place is very interesting because it gathers different environments (the forest and the wetlands), it is moreover very educational since many indications mark out the course. There is no particular difficulty. Remember to bring appropriate footwear for the wetland area because it bears its name. If you don't want to get wet, just don't do the lower loop on the map.

You can't miss the small car park if you go to Maincourt, there are signs everywhere on the route.

An interesting walk for a Sunday afternoon.

Interest: good (1 user)
Difficulty:
Duration: 2 h.
Practical information

The car park

The entrance to the discovery trail is well indicated by signs, it is located between Le-Mesnil-Saint-Denis and Dampierre-en-Yvelines. The car park is quite large and is free of charge.
9

The Yvette

The path goes along a small river, the Yvette. This river gives its name to many communes of the department.
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The climb

The signpost with the map shows where to turn off for the climb. The climb is quite rough but rather short.
4

The set

All along the way there are signs explaining the forest and the impact of man on the forest.
3

Sandstone block

Sandstone block. The sea was present 35 million years ago, it deposited sand which then turned into sandstone.
3

Sandstone mining

Former sandstone quarry. It was mainly exploited from 1876 to 1954. You can still see the rails that brought the extracted products to the nearest station. The sandstone was used to pave the streets and for the kerbs.
2

The descent

The descent as well as the ascent is a bit tricky but nothing really difficult.
1

Backfill

The quarry backfill is still visible.
3

Swampy part

In this part of the route there is a lot of water, so you need a pair of waterproof shoes. This is the most interesting part, especially after rainy days.
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Observation tower

There are two observation towers installed along the route. For those who want to go further in the study of the fauna. It is not the most beautiful hike but it remains very nice.
2

The rushes

After crossing the wetland area, you reach the main route.
2

The course

You can do the route in the direction you want, to take the swampy part just turn right after the sign with the map.
6

Other walks

At 1.45 Km

Hiking in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse

At 2.9 Km

The Jean Racine path in the Chevreuse valley.

At 3.59 Km

The pond of Noës

At 4.24 Km

The Maréchaux trail in the Chevreuse Valley
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