Saint-Prix: Heritage, Forest and Local Experiences

Saint-Prix appeals to travellers who want to make heritage, forest scenery and local experiences the focus of their trip. When looking for a hotel in Saint-Prix, considering these different highlights can help you choose your destination. They include the architectural history of the Vieux-Village church, historic sites in the Montmorency Forest and local experiences that introduce you to the Haut-Bourg.

Church and historic sites

The Église Saint-Prix, also called the Église Saint-Germain, was built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier 11th-century building. Its furnishings include works dating from the 16th to the 19th century. These dates refer to different periods: the 11th century marks the predecessor building, the 13th the construction of the church, and the period from the 16th to the 19th century the works in its furnishings.

The Château de la Chasse, originally called Chasse Mornay, lies in the state-owned Montmorency Forest within the municipality of Saint-Prix and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1933. The Cimetière Bosc has also been listed as a Monument historique since 1933; it is surrounded by the vegetation of the Montmorency Forest. Both sites therefore share the year of their listing, but differ in their character and setting: the château stands in the state-owned forest, while the cemetery lies amid forest vegetation.

The Fontaine aux Pèlerins dates back to 1300. A pilgrimage associated with it developed from the 15th century onwards around the relics of Saint-Prix. Another historic site in the forest is the Tour du Plumet: built in 1863, it is a 22-metre-high structure intended for hunting stays.

Forest scenery and trails

The Montmorency Forest covers two-thirds of Saint-Prix. The designation of the slopes and orchards is a separate matter: in 2002, the municipality and the Val d’Oise Department designated them a local sensitive natural area of particular interest (ENSIL) for enhancement. The area share describes the forest within the municipality, while the designation specifically concerns the slopes and orchards.

Two educational trails start at the Château de la Chasse: one focuses on forest ecology, the other on forestry techniques. They cover different topics, so check whether the trails are available before you travel. The Sentier des Lisières is a separate route. This almost 30-kilometre hiking trail covers the territory of 17 municipalities along the edge of the massif. In the municipalities it passes through, signposted sections link and highlight tourist and cultural attractions. Its length and municipal coverage describe a different route from the two educational trails at the château. When planning your visit, check local signage and trail conditions.

Orchards and local experiences

An apple harvest takes place every year in the ENS orchards. The apples are made into apple juice that is 100% organic and locally produced. Dates and participation requirements may change. If you would like to include the harvest in your travel plans, check the details in advance.

The “Histoire & nature gourmande” experience lets you explore the Haut-Bourg of Saint-Prix independently. A digital tablet locates visitors and points out places of interest. The experience introduces Saint-Prix’s rural identity and preserved terroir through grapes, apples and honey. While the harvest takes place in the orchards, this experience focuses on exploring the Haut-Bourg and its local products. Before your visit, check current booking availability and the experience’s content.

Discover more destinations: Avernes, La Roche-Guyon, Soisy-Sous-Montmorency, Eaubonne, Sannois, Cormeilles-En-Parisis, Saint-Ouen-Lʼaumône, Bray-Et-Lû

For the broader travel guide: Val-D'oise.