Montmorency Forest

Montmorency Forest tops the hills that look down over Paris and is ideal for a relaxing stroll in beautiful natural surroundings. Oak, beech, birch and Scots pine stretch over 2,000 hectares and provide the perfect backdrop for a shaded walk: explore one of the many themed trails and hiking or cycling paths. Take, for example, the Philosophy Trail, named after Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who often came here. This path through the forest comprises 11 stages and as many opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and local history.

In the 18th century, the forest was planted with chestnut trees to supply the nearby vineyards, and it harbours a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, foxes and badgers. It was once a royal hunting round, as demonstrated by the Château de la Chasse nestled in the heart of the forest, and there are traces of a human presence here going back to Prehistorical times. The forest is also criss-crossed by streams and has a number of small lakes, including one that supplies the nearby spa town of Enghien-les-Bains.