Hiking, trail running & historic routes

At the Résidence Hôtel Les Ducs de Chevreuse, there is no need to take the car to get away. Our large 1.5-hectare landscaped park blends straight into the departmental forest. Step off the lawn and you are instantly on the trails, with no road to cross.

Where the great routes meet

Legendary and spiritual routes cross and intertwine in the Chevreuse Valley, and the residence is a key, emblematic and historic point along them. Whether you are a long-distance walker, a trail runner in search of elevation or a pilgrim, it is ideally placed at the crossroads of France’s most famous waymarked paths.

The Mont-Saint-Michel path (GR 22)

Walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims of old, the Miquelots, on this historic route linking Notre-Dame in Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel. Chevreuse: a pleasant, restorative stop in the heart of nature as you cross the south of the Yvelines.

The Way of St James variant (GR 655)

On the Via Turonensis (the Tours route), our residence offers a choice stopover in the heart of the Regional Nature Park for everyone heading south towards Galicia.

The GR 11 (Grand Tour of Île-de-France)

Perfect for exploring the valley’s ridges, its charming villages and forest panoramas on loop walks.

Trail running in the Chevreuse Valley

Make the most of the region’s famous “bumps” for your elevation training: the Madeleine climb, sunken lanes and technical singletrack.

Tip: remember to download your maps from specialist websites, such as the Regional Nature Park’s (www.parc-naturel-chevreuse.fr). Less eco-friendly but still possible: local hiking maps can be provided at reception.

An aparthotel stopover designed for recovery

After a long day on foot, enjoy the independence of an equipped apartment combined with hotel services, and recharge your batteries in complete peace.

Because a successful sports break is about more than a good mattress, the residence offers facilities designed to fit your pace, your lifestyle and your logistical needs. Whether you are preparing for a local race or a forest trail, or coming back from an intensive day in the saddle, enjoy an environment 100% suited to recovery.

Tailored nutrition: cook to suit your diet

Forget the rigid menus and hidden salt of traditional restaurant meals.

• Fully equipped kitchenette: all our apartments have a hob, a fridge, a microwave and all the crockery you need.
• Manage your macros: prepare your own pre-race energy meals (slow-release carbs, protein snacks, hydration) exactly as you would at home.
• No fixed mealtimes: eat when your body asks for it, at 10 pm after a long training session or at 5 am before a start.

Self-service laundry: always set off dry

Nothing is more unpleasant than having to put damp or muddy sportswear back on the next day.

• High-performance machines: washing machines and tumble dryers, freely available.
• Easy care: ideal for washing cycling jerseys, trail kit or riding breeches straight after a session in the forest. Irons and ironing boards are also available.

Breakfast hung on your door, early or late

Don’t sacrifice your sleep or your timing for a communal buffet.

• Discreet delivery: we prepare your breakfast and hang it on your door handle at the exact time you choose.
• Total flexibility: refuel at 4.30 am before a cool early trail start, or enjoy a restorative lie-in — your meal is waiting for you without disturbing you.

Stretching & cardio: a 1.5-hectare open-air park

Use our tree-lined park and its lawns for stretching sessions, end-of-day stretches or a muscle wake-up at sunrise. A calm, secure space, ideal for bringing your heart rate back down.

The Flat Hotel les Ducs “extras”

When you arrive, Cyril M. and his team — praised by our guests for their welcome — will be delighted to point you in the right direction, check your next day’s stages or advise you on local shops.

Plan ahead with them for a meal in your room, a speciality of these seasoned sportsmen… or pre-book a restaurant by going back to your booking and adding dining options.

We also welcome sports clubs and groups taking part in regional competitions — valley trails, cycle races, events on the Saclay plateau or in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines — with group offers or whole duplexes booked as team flat-shares: see Events & sports clubs.

Dates for the keenest athletes

Organised hikes, trails and races around the residence.

Trail des Lavoirs — Chevreuse

The valley’s flagship event, a technical course through forests, past wash houses and the Château de la Madeleine.

• When: May
• Distances: 10, 20 and 35 km
• Type: nature trail
• Organiser: Route des 4 Châteaux association (R4C) — 06 87 03 19 37 — contact@route4chateaux.com
• Website: tdl.associationr4c.com

La Chevrotine — Chevreuse

A friendly nature run, ideal for families and recreational runners.

• When: September
• Distances: 5 and 10 km
• Type: nature run

Regional Nature Park hikes — Chevreuse Valley

Guided outings all year round, discovering the area’s natural heritage.

• When: all year round
• Distances: 5 to 20 km
• Type: guided hikes
• Website: www.parc-naturel-chevreuse.fr

PNR night hike — Chevreuse Valley

A night-time hike with lanterns and a unique forest atmosphere.

• When: autumn
• Distances: 8 and 12 km
• Type: night hike

Château de Breteuil hike — Choisel

A heritage route around the château and the surrounding woods.

• When: summer
• Distances: 5 and 10 km
• Type: heritage hike

Course des 4 Châteaux — Chevreuse Valley

A heritage race passing four of the valley’s emblematic châteaux.

• When: November
• Distances: 10 and 20 km
• Type: heritage race
• Organiser: Route des 4 Châteaux association (R4C) — 06 87 03 19 37 — contact@route4chateaux.com
• Website: route4chateaux.com

Marche Audax — Chevreuse Valley

A long-distance event at a controlled pace, for experienced walkers.

• When: varies
• Distances: 25 and 50 km
• Type: sport walking

Rando des 3 Lacs — Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

A family hike around the lakes and natural areas of SQY.

• When: spring
• Distances: 8 and 12 km
• Type: hike

La Voie Royale — Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

A major sporting event with a half marathon and a 10 km.

• When: October
• Distances: 10 and 21 km
• Type: road race

Trail du Josas — Jouy-en-Josas

A trail renowned for its elevation and demanding forest sections.

• When: April
• Distances: 13 and 25 km
• Type: nature trail
• Organiser: Jouy-en-Josas town hall — 01 39 20 11 12 / 06 85 06 29 98 — t.rossignol@jouy-en-josas.fr
• Website: www.traildujosas.com

Rambouillet Half Marathon — Rambouillet

A very popular race in the region, on a pleasant forest course.

• When: March
• Distances: 10 and 21 km
• Type: road race