©Oratory trail in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye|OTI SGBS

The oratory trail an unusual walk in the heart of the Saint-Germain forest

Hungry for a rejuvenating walk combining heritage, nature and local curiosities? The Sentier des Oratoires is an invitation to explore, combining discreet spirituality with a soothing forest atmosphere. This 18 km loop takes you into a green setting, just a stone’s throw from the town, for a walk that’s as rewarding as it is original.

A hike where you have to look up!

Easy to spot thanks to its markings – a blue cross on a white background – the Sentier des Oratoires winds through the majestic forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Along the way, walkers will come across small niches high up in the trees. Each houses a statuette of a saint, like silent guardians of the path. These unusual oratories, steeped in mystery, line the route and add a spiritual and contemplative dimension to your outing. You will discover 4 crosses and 7 oratories.

Beware of traffic when crossing roads.

Discover all the walks in the Saint-Germain forest

Emblematic locations in the forest of Saint-Germain

The trail first takes you in the direction of Achères station, before returning to the prestigious Maison d’Éducation de la Légion d’Honneur, an emblematic site nestled in a verdant setting. Then the path takes you to the site of the Fête des Loges, a high point of local festive tradition.

You will then skirt the famous Camp des Loges, formerly the training centre of Paris Saint-Germain and now of Stade Français, before passing two addresses well known to epicureans: the Saint-Germain Club House restaurant and the Cazaudehore hotel-restaurant.

Rehabilitated oratories since 2024

Recently 2 oratories have been rehabilitated:

In January 2025, the Road Scouts of Europe made it possible to set up the oratory of Notre Dame de France, Queen of Peace, created on the initiative of Anne and Paul de Jacquelot. It is located on the oratory path, on the route de Notre Dame de Bon Secours, near the Petit Parc star. In July 2024, the oratory of Sainte Geneviève was returned to its rightful place, at the junction of the route des mares and the avenue des Loges.