On the paths of the Tour de Plaine

The Chemins de Tour de Plaine invite you to explore an area shaped by centuries of innovation, where nature and history meet. As you follow these paths, you’ll be following in the footsteps of a living landscape. At the turn of a belvedere, let yourself be surprised by a perspective inherited from the famous landscape gardener André Le Nôtre, who in the 17th century imagined the historic axis linking the Tuileries Gardens to the Grande Terrasse at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Here, man dialogues with nature in perfect harmony.

The plain on the water at Carrières-sur-Seine

Discover Carrières-sur-Seine on a rewarding walking tour that takes you through its medieval town centre, along the Seine towpath and through the picturesque landscapes of the plain on the water. This route allows you to discover the many facets of this town, combining history, nature and heritage. Here’s an overview of the key points of interest to discover on your walk.

On your route

1. The town hall park

The town hall park is one of the town’s landmarks. This French-style garden, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Gardens in France, dates back to the 17th century and was designed by a pupil of André Le Nôtre.

2. The medieval town centre

The centre of Carrières-sur-Seine is like stepping back in time. Founded in 1137, the town grew up around the tithe barn, a historic building where the harvests for Saint-Denis Abbey were stored.

3. The belvedere

A little further on, the belvedere above the A14 motorway offers a unique view of the La Défense business district.

The Plain of Montesson is waiting for you!

Set off to discover one of the Île-de-France’s agricultural plains. From the towpath to the urban fringes, this route will offer you breathtaking views of market garden crops, the wooded hillsides of the Boucle de la Seine and the Parisian skyline.

It covers more than 400 hectares, spread across three communes (Montesson, Carrières-sur-Seine and Sartrouville), including 270 hectares of cultivated land and 150 hectares of sensitive natural areas. This is one of the last large agricultural areas close to Paris, and essential to the food self-sufficiency of the Île-de-France region. Cultivated since the Middle Ages, the plain has seen its wine-growing replaced by market gardening since the 17th century, and more recently, in the 1970s, by salad growing. Today, it is the second-largest salad-growing area in the Paris region, accounting for a significant proportion of regional and national production. The plain’s sandy soil means early harvests and a wide variety of crops. However, land management is complex due to the small plots inherited from the wine-growing past and the multiplication of owners, some of whom speculate on changing the use of agricultural land. This, combined with competition from buildable land, leads to the development of wasteland and generates a climate of uncertainty for farmers.

Below, find the key stages and places not to be missed on your route!

1.The Boucle de Montesson departmental park

The Parc Départemental de la Boucle de Montesson, created in 1997, covers a historic area that once belonged to the medieval seigneury of La Borde. It is made up of a variety of natural and cultural areas, offering visitors the perfect setting for a walk in the heart of nature, while discovering unique tourist attractions. The park includes the Maison du Parc, a former farmhouse and manor house dating from 1838, now used for exhibitions and meetings. The Etang d'Épinoche, in the centre of the park, is a former sandpit that has been transformed into an ornithological reserve, where many species of birds find refuge.

2.Allotment gardens: a haven of peace

Inaugurated in 2006, the allotment gardens occupy former farmland. They are home to around fifty plots, each unique, with its own style: vegetable garden, ornamental garden, or even "chaotic" garden. Each garden has its own identity, making it a fine example of urban gardening and social cohesion. It's an ideal opportunity to observe shared gardens or find inspiration for designing your own outdoor space.

3.The view from the Chemin de l'Espérance: a breathtaking panorama

Located on the Chemin de l'Espérance, this viewpoint offers one of the finest panoramas of the Montesson plain. On one side, you can contemplate the wooded slopes of the Seine valley, while on the other, the La Défense district and Mont Valérien can be seen on the horizon. It's a real immersion in a mixed landscape of nature and urban development.

4.The departmental ecological compensation zone: a biodiversity sanctuary

This vast 9-hectare wetland area plays a key role in flood management on the Seine. It's a great place to observe local flora and fauna, with a semi-permanent pool of water linked to the river. Wetlands are essential for biodiversity and help to purify water, while storing water and releasing it during dry periods.

5.The Clos des Vieilles Vignes vineyard: back to basics

The Clos des Vieilles Vignes vineyard, created in 2003, is reviving a forgotten wine-growing tradition. This vineyard of 1,500 pinot, gamay and merlot vines is located on the Montesson plain, an area that was once covered in vines. This community project promotes the local agricultural heritage and gives visitors the chance to taste wines made from the region's historic grape varieties, at various events such as the Christmas market and the Salad Festival.

The Mesnil-le-Roi plain

The Mesnil-le-Roi plain, located at the foot of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye hillside, offers a diversity of landscapes, with forests, communal meadows and gardens. This picturesque route, rich in panoramic viewpoints, allows you to discover sensitive natural areas and historic sites. The steep slopes and staircases make the route suitable for walkers in good physical condition, but it is also possible to cycle it, provided you opt for a mountain bike.

1.Parc Corbière: nature and relaxation on the banks of the Seine

The Parc Corbière, located in Le Pecq, covers 8.5 hectares and offers beautiful views over the Seine. This landscaped park is home to Île Corbière, a protected site where wildlife such as swans, wild ducks and cormorants find an ideal breeding ground. The park is perfect for family walks, with its play areas, picnic tables, mini-farm and educational vegetable garden.

2.The Clos de la Salle forest: a refuge for wildlife

This alluvial forest is classified as a ZNIEFF (natural zone of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest) and is home to a rich biodiversity, including rare species such as the Great Horned Grebe and the Green Woodpecker. At sunset, nature lovers can watch bats feeding on insects in the wetlands. The rows of trees lining the path are the remains of the former landscaped parks of the 20th century.

3.Allotment gardens: a link with the agricultural past

Created in 1995, the Jardins Familiaux du Mesnil-le-Roi occupy agricultural wasteland, giving local residents a chance to revive their gardening traditions. Each plot is cultivated as a vegetable or ornamental garden, respecting sustainable cultivation and the spirit of urban gardening.

4.The communal meadow: a protected natural area

Since 2001, the Mesnil-le-Roi meadow has been classified as a voluntary nature reserve. Managed by the association La Salamandre Verte, this historic meadow has never been urbanised and is home to rare species such as the great crested newt and the sea bulrush. The area is maintained by extensive grazing and participatory work.

5.Rue des Sablons: a panoramic view of the Seine valley

Taking the Rue des Sablons, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Mesnil-le-Roi farmlands blending into the Seine valley. The view also reveals the geological history of the region, with the remains of the ancient riverbed sculpted by erosion over the centuries.

6.The state-owned forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye: a royal treasure

Covering 3,500 hectares, the Saint-Germain-en-Laye state forest is the second largest forest in the Yvelines département. A former hunting ground for the kings of France, the forest is surrounded by a stone wall built under Louis XIII to protect wildlife and limit poaching.

7.The castle terrace: An Old Royal Garden

Designed by the famous landscape gardener André Le Nôtre, the château's terrace garden stretches for almost 2 kilometres and offers uninterrupted views over the Seine valley. From the terrace, you can see such landmarks as La Défense, the Eiffel Tower and Mont Valérien.

8.The Clos de la Salle orchard: a journey through time

The Clos de la Salle orchard, managed by the association La Salamandre Verte, revives the fruit-growing tradition of Mesnil-le-Roi. Once famous for its plums, the town now preserves its apple, pear and mirabelle trees. Visitors can take part in workshops on pruning and grafting.

Our advice?

Allow half a day for the Montesson and Le Mesnil-le-Roi routes. The Carrières-sur-Seine route, which is 6.5 km long, can be combined with the discovery of the Impressionist Trail.

Our recommendations

Be careful when crossing roads, and stay on the route when you ride alongside or through cultivated fields. Cyclists may have to dismount on rural roads, which are generally muddy in wet weather. Motorised vehicles and dogs not on a lead are not permitted on the route.