The Royal Forest of Dourdan is criss-crossed with walking and hiking paths. You can find peace and relaxation there as a family, alone, or with friends - far from the noise and agitation of the city.

The tourist office can provide you with maps of the marked trails for hiking and walking, and tell you about some of the forest's curiosities.

The forest extends across 3953 acres, and its two mountains, Saint-Arnoult and l'Oye, are separated by the Orge valley. There are numerous varieties of trees but the majority are oaks, many of which are several hundred years old. The English oak known as the "Six frères" ("Six Brothers") is approximately 500 years old. Made from six trunks which came from the same acorn, the centre forms a basin that retains water. Legend holds that it is holy water.

You'll then arrive at the three ponds known as the "Fontaines Bouillantes" ("Boiling Fountains"). Your path may then take you towards the Abbey of L'Ouye. Of the original buildings, all that remain are the church, the cloister, and the dovecot. It is maintained by Ursuline nuns. You might see stags, deer, wild boar, rabbits, and squirrels.