Boissy-Saint-Léger: Forests, Trails and History

When looking for a hotel in Boissy-Saint-Léger, you can first consider whether hiking and cycling routes, nature or cultural history should be the focus of your stay.

Forests and Hiking Trails

Almost two-thirds of Boissy-Saint-Léger’s area consists of natural spaces, most of them forested. The Forêt de Notre-Dame has been classified as a protected forest since 2016 and is managed by the Office National des Forêts. Boissy-Saint-Léger is a starting point for long- and short-distance hiking trails. The Forêt régional de Grosbois is a 15-minute walk from Boissy-Saint-Léger RER A station.

Both GR routes pass through Parc de Grosbois, but continue through different landscapes: the GR 14 Brie – Champagne – Ardennes also passes through Bois-Notre-Dame and Forêt d’Armainvilliers; the GR de pays de l’Est parisien passes through Bois de la Grange. You can distinguish the routes by the forest areas mentioned.

Cycling in Arc Boisé

The Massif de l’Arc Boisé offers dozens of walking and cycling paths. You can ride the “en pleine nature” cycling route independently; information boards along the route provide information about Arc Boisé. The distinction is clear for planning: a variety of paths in the Massif and a named, self-guided cycling route with information boards about Arc Boisé.

Wetlands and Views at Domaine régional du Piple

The wetlands of Domaine régional du Piple are home to numerous plant and animal species. A viewpoint offers wide-ranging views across the Paris metropolitan area. Domaine régional du Piple and Forêt de Notre-Dame offer different natural highlights: wetlands, biodiversity and views here; a protected forest and forest management there. Domaine régional du Piple opened to the public on June 20, 2026; check the latest access information before visiting.

Cultural History and Harness Racing

The Domaine du château de Grosbois in Boissy-Saint-Léger and Villecresnes is partly listed as a historic monument and partly classified as a historic monument. The grounds of Château du Piple date back to a manor house built around 1280 for the Abbey of Saint-Maur. It was surrounded by moats and walls and included a chapel, a hall and a cellar.

The Church of Saint-Léger appears to have been rebuilt in the 16th century. It is associated with a small rural church that is said to have stood in the village in the 9th century. The Chapelle du Piple, also known as the Chapel of the Sacrés-Cœurs, contains a stained-glass window installed in 1891 depicting Saint-Léger.

You can learn about the centuries-old orchid greenhouses of Vacherot et Lecoufle on a guided tour. The Musée du Trot presents the history of harness racing from the Olympic Games to the present day. In terms of its size and collections, it is considered Europe’s leading museum dedicated to harness racing. The cultural highlights thus range from architectural and church history to the history of harness racing.

The Marché de la Ferme offers fresh produce, vegetables, meat and fish at its market stalls; the selection of vendors may vary.

Discover more destinations: Rungis, Choisy-Le-Roi, Arcueil, Fontenay-Sous-Bois, Villiers-sur-Marne, Villeneuve-Le-Roi, Ivry-Sur-Seine, La Queue-en-Brie

For the regional travel overview: Val-De-Marne.