The best walks and hikes around La Celle-Saint-Cloud

On the Île de Chatou, the Maison Fournaise is a former riverside inn and hotel. It now houses a restaurant. In 1880, Renoir wrote, "It is the prettiest place in the vicinity of Paris." Renoir painted about thirty canvases in Chatou. The most famous painting is Luncheon of the Boating Party, which was painted from the restaurant's balcony. Next door, the municipal museum houses collections on the history of the site and of boating, one of the first modern leisure activities on the water.

The Bassin d’Apollon lies on the central axis of the palace gardens, between the palace and the Grand Canal. The fountain's central figure is Apollo, the sun god of Greek mythology. He is depicted rising from the water in a horse-drawn chariot to begin the day. The choice of Apollo is no coincidence: King Louis XIV styled himself as the "Sun King," and Apollo was his mythological counterpart.

A small pleasure palace in the park of Versailles, commissioned by Louis XV. A must-see

I go there every day, very pleasant, on foot or by bike.

This 200-hectare forest was acquired by Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1800, the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I. The estate extended over a thousand hectares as far as the woods of La Celle-Saint-Cloud. The Empress particularly appreciated this walking area and often took her guests there for horse-drawn carriage rides. Near the Saint-Cucufa pond, she had a sheepfold and a stable built. The latter is still visible and today houses the forest rangers of the National Forestry Office. After Joséphine's death, the estate was divided up and partially deforested. It was her great-nephew, Napoleon III, who saved the forest from fragmentation through exchanges. He bought it in 1856 and incorporated it into his civil list. In 1870 and 1871, the Malmaison State Forest was the site of fierce assaults by Captain de Nisme's artillery against the Prussians entrenched behind the Buzenval wall. In 1871, the forest became state-owned when it became part of state property. Since 1966, it has been managed by the National Forestry Office. It is composed mainly of trees such as chestnut, oak, ash, cherry, sycamore, beech, and birch. You descend to the beautiful pond on the left (be careful, there is a steep descent with many walkers and dogs—usually kept on leashes) where you can admire numerous birds (woodpecker, moorhen, heron, etc.). Access to the pond is via an unpaved path for 100 meters. Access to the Château de la Malmaison and its park in Rueil-Malmaison (bicycle racks in front of the castle entrance): 2 km. You will then join trail no. 4 "From the Empress to the Impressionists." Go back up to the right until you reach the entrance to the woods (the way you came in). On the way up, on the left: you can complete the fitness trail on foot. At the exit of the Bois de St. Cucufa: restaurant and bakery. Head towards the old village of Garches, a steep descent. You can admire the St. Louis Church, the Sidney Bechet Cultural Center, the town hall (restrooms accessible on weekdays), and its park. There are many shops but no bicycle racks.

On the island of Chatou. The Maison Fournaise is a former open-air café-hotel. It now houses a restaurant. In 1880, Renoir wrote, "It is the prettiest place around Paris." Renoir painted around thirty canvases in Chatou. The most famous painting is "Luncheon of the Boating Party," which was painted from the restaurant's balcony. Next door, the municipal museum houses collections on the history of the site and boating, one of the first modern leisure activities on the water. – Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Tel.: +33 1 34 80 63 22.

Ideal for a good walk

The Route de Saint-Cucufa in the Forêt domaniale de la Malmaison is an exciting mountain bike trail that will test even the most experienced riders. As you ride the winding paths, you’ll encounter steep climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. The trail is renowned for its diverse terrain, which ranges from smooth singletrack to rocky outcrops. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the unique flora and fauna that inhabit this ancient forest.