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Just an hour from Paris, this medieval village, easily reachable by train, will take you on a journey through time!

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The Editor

© Alexandre.ROSA / Shutter Stock

At the gates of the Rambouillet forest, in the Yvelines, you can explore the medieval village of Montfort-l'Amaury. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historical remnants, you'll feel like you've taken a leap back a thousand years—how cool is that! Whether you want to stroll through its charming streets, visit the ruins of its castle, or enjoy the breathtaking views, this village is sure to delight you.

Museum, lively terraces, panoramic ramparts, a green park, and so much more, this medieval village is the perfect spot to spend a refreshing day or weekend, away from the noise and hustle of Paris. The good news is it only takes 40 minutes from Montparnasse station to marvel at Montfort-l'Amaury, no matter the season!


A village full of history

The story of Montfort-l'Amaury begins with a meeting: that of a powerful medieval lineage, the Montforts, and Guillaume de Hainaut, who was tasked with fortifying and protecting their lands. It was the son of the latter, Amaury, who would give the city its definitive name. Gradually, the lords of Montfort would become key players in the History of France.

Montfort-l'Amaury would elevate Simon V de Montfort, one of the founding fathers of English parliamentary democracy, and would often host ....

Anne of Brittany : duchess and queen of France twice. Over time, the town will grow and become a stopover for all the kings of France on their way to the capital.

Today, you can dive back into this fascinating era by exploring the ruins of the fortress castle. You can also visit the église of Saint-Pierre, with its impressive dimensions, highlighted by its wonderful stained glass windows, and recognized as a historic monument. And don’t miss the walk along the ramparts, which offers stunning views.


The Haven for Artists

But in addition to its great historical figures, Montfort-l'Amaury has welcomed many artists in search of inspiration. Victor Hugo wrote a few poems here about the ruins of his old fortress, but most notably, Maurice Ravel composed his famous Boléro here.

The former home of the famous composer, the “Belvedere,” is now an unmissable museum in the region. More than just a simple visit, it’s a deep dive into the private life of the musician: his belongings, his secrets, and his sources of inspiration.

After this dose of history and culture, all that’s left is to settle down on the terrace or in one of the tea rooms...

acute; of the village and savor the unique atmosphere of Montfort-l'Amaury, for a suspended afternoon.