The true lung of the capital is not what you think. Rich in history and a gigantic wildlife reserve, the Forest of Verriès is the perfect spot to escape the grayness of Paris without spending half your day on public transport.
A piece of wild nature, accessible by RER
Former ecclesiastical property, this piece of paradise has, in the past, been favored by kings Henri IV and Louis XIII. They would come here for fox hunting in the midst of its star-shaped paths. Over time, the forest has been developed to open up to the public while never losing its wild character. Today, it’s the National Office of Forests that manages the balance between users and biodiversity.
What really impresses is the diversity of landscapes that the Verriès domain offers: land, grass, sand, water...
…it's a true playground for the multitude of species present in the area. Around a bend in the trail, you might encounter one of its 313 recorded species: protected birds, amphibians, all kinds of insects, or even bats. Whether it's for the golden hues of autumn or the rebirth of fauna and flora in spring, you'll always find a great reason to go back.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Where to start ?
On foot, running, or cycling, there are several routes to explore on the relatively flat paths of the estate. Our favorite is the Morthemer Castle loop. With nearly 10 km of distance, the sportiest among you will enjoy a great jog. If that's not your style, this 30-minute stroll will allow you to discover all the beautiful landscapes offered by Les Verrières while visiting some historic monuments in the area.
This course reveals the Castle of Morthemer (yes, the hint was in the name) which notably served to protect the population during the Hundred Years' War, as well as the Notre-Dame Church connected to the castle. There, you'll discover a stunning crypt filled with beautifully preserved paintings. It's the kind of place you just can't miss!
It tends not to stop at a few RER stations in Paris.