The town of Chevreuse, in Yvelines, is named after the goats that once lived in the countryside surrounding it, and were used in tanning, which was the main industry in the area for several centuries. La Madeleine Castle, a magnificent fortress built from the 11th century onwards, overlooks the town that stretches out on both sides of the Yvette. Listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments, the imposing building proudly displays its medieval origins, with a remarkable rectangular keep surrounded by well-preserved ramparts and towers. You can also visit the Guard Tower, inner courtyard and the "Castle Life" ("Vie de château") exhibition in the cellars free of charge. From the top of the building, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view over the town and the Yvette Valley.
The castle also houses the House of the Upper Chevreuse Valley Regional Nature Park, a remarkable natural patchwork of majestic forests, prestigious sites and pastoral landscapes, dotted with valleys, meadows and rivers. There are many hiking paths where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air, in a place of great environmental richness.
Old houses and cobbled squares are among the many attractions of this picturesque town, which is sure to enchant lovers of history and heritage. Dating from 980, the Priory of St. Saturnin is the oldest building in the town and now hosts contemporary art exhibitions. On the romantic banks of the River Yvette, you can walk along the Promenade des Petits Ponts and see a hide drying shed and the Mandar washhouse, reminders of the days when the tanneries were thriving. It's also worth stopping to admire the Church of St. Martin and its surprising architecture, or the Cabaret du Lys, the oldest house on the street, where Jean Racine stayed during his time in Chevreuse. The path that leads from the town to the castle is named after the writer.
