Montgeron between heritage and nature

Montgeron offers two distinct ways to spend your stay: exploring local and architectural history, or enjoying outdoor trails. If you are looking for a hotel in Montgeron, you can first consider whether museums and historic buildings, or walks and outdoor activities, should shape your stay.

Culture and local history

The Église Saint-Jacques was rebuilt in 1855–1856 in the neo-Romanesque style, with some neo-Gothic motifs. It is fully protected as a Monument historique; it was listed on 28 January 2021. Interior details include decorative stained-glass windows. In the Saint-Joseph Chapel, a mosaic depicting the Flight into Egypt is located above the altar.

The Musée municipal Josèphe Jacquiot presents four collections in a former manor house: local history, medals, prints and Egyptian objects. Temporary exhibitions and talks are held throughout the year. Free guided tours of the permanent and temporary exhibitions are available on request. A visit to the museum offers a chance to explore a range of subjects, from Montgeron’s history to art and collection objects.

The Moulin de Senlis and the Château de Rottembourg also offer connections to cultural history. In 1902, Eugène Esnault-Pelterie transformed the Moulin de Senlis into an elegant residence inspired by the neo-Gothic style. Its guests included François Coppée, Giacomo Puccini and Leonetto Cappiello, among others. The orangery at the Château de Rottembourg served as Claude Monet’s studio; Édouard Manet and Alfred Sisley were among the château’s regular visitors.

Trails, the Yerres and the Forêt de Sénart

La Pelouse stretches for 1.4 kilometres from Place de l’Europe to the Forêt de Sénart. This publicly accessible site is ideal for walks. Its history dates back to three avenues laid out between 1698 and 1708 from the main courtyard of the now-vanished Château de Montgeron, in the style of Versailles. Events held at La Pelouse throughout the year include the European Heritage Days, a holiday village, open-air cinema and the town festival. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates in advance.

The completed Liaison Verte is a walking and leisure area in Montgeron, running along the Yerres across the entire municipality. Access is available via Avenue du Maréchal Foch, near the equestrian centre, and via Rue du Moulin de Senlis. From the Plaine de Chalandray, you can reach the Liaison Verte by following the Ru de la Navette. Local conditions may change, so check the route before your visit.

The restoration of the Ru de la Navette was completed in September 2024. The stream, which had previously run partly underground, was reopened, and several wetlands were restored. Around 500 hectares of the Forêt de Sénart also lie within Montgeron’s boundaries. Activities there include walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, inline skating and horse riding. Numerous ponds provide habitats for several species of frogs and other amphibians, including protected species; typical woodland animals are also found there.

Plan your journey

Montgeron-Crosne station is served by RER Line D. Paris-Gare de Lyon is about 20 minutes away on this line. As journey times and train services may change, check the timetable before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Boissy-Sous-Saint-Yon, Chilly-Mazarin, Saclay, Saint-Chéron, Lardy, Bures-Sur-Yvette, Paray-Vieille-Poste, Draveil.

For the wider travel overview: Essonne.