Paris: Ile-de-France

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In Search of Medieval Ile-de-France

Pont Alexandre III

(Mileage is estimated distance from each preceeding city or site.)

  1. To Montchauvet (88 miles)

    2. LUZARCHES (20 miles from Paris) Church built from 9th to 16th centuries.

    LA ROCHE-GUYON (47 miles) Topiary-lined walk along the Seine; 13th-century château.

    MONTCHAUVET (21 miles) Quiet, immaculate, flower-filled 12th-century village; Romanesque portal on St-Madeleine church.

  2. To Dourdan (59 miles)

    3. MONTFORT L'AMAURY (29 miles) The 37 stained-glass windows in the church; view from ruins of château to Rambouillet forest.

    ROCHEFORT-EN-YVELINES (25 miles) Tiny cobbled streets; terraced graveyard; view of medieval ruins.

    DOURDAN (5 miles) Spectacularly well-preserved 12th-century château where Joan of Arc was once imprisoned, towering keep; Gothic church.

  3. To Grez-sur-Loing (80 miles)

    4. ETAMPES (38 miles) 12th-century fortified church; medieval prison tower; mansions of Diane de Poitiers.

    MEREVILLE (12 miles) Old Roman and medieval town with example of feudal covered market.

    GREZ-SUR-LOING (30 miles) Sleepy village on peaceful riverbank; old stone bridge.

  4. To Château Landon (89 miles)

    5. CRECY-LA-CHAPELLE (23 miles) The "Venice of Brie," waterways; 13th-century Gothic cathedral.

    MORET-SUR-LOING (47 miles) Medieval village where Sisley painted; one of the oldest organs in France; striking carved facade of François Ier house.

    CHATEAU LANDON (19 miles) Massive abbey built on river; towers and ramparts.