Le Bois du Roi: an exceptional wooded area 1 hour from Paris
The Bois du Roi stretches over 3 hectares between Betz, Versigny, and Nanteuil-le-Haudouin. This wooded area, classified as a Natura 269 site, is renowned for its remarkable landscapes and biodiversity. It is home to sandstone chaotic rocks and dry heathland on sandy mounds, as well as an exceptional diversity of forest species, such as oaks, Scots pines, and chestnut trees. This unique site is also a crossing point for local wildlife, with rare species such as the Middle Spotted Woodpecker and the Black Woodpecker. The forest is an ideal walking area, offering trails on foot, on horseback, or by bike, linked to the former railway line.
The Rooster Stone: a natural curiosity
At the heart of this forest, the Pierre au Coq, a curious block of sandstone, attracts walkers with its unique shape. This natural monument, formed by the accumulation of ocean particles, is an emblematic landmark of the Bois du Roi.
The Slide Stone: Legend and Exploration
Further south, the Slide Stone emerges from the heather moors as a geological and cultural curiosity. According to legend, women seeking fertility would slide down this stone to grant their wish. Today, an educational trail equipped with markers invites visitors to explore this fragile island of nature, while raising awareness of the need to preserve this exceptional landscape.
The Holy Fountain: between miracle and tradition
Nestled in a hidden corner of the forest, the Sainte Fontaine intrigues with its uniqueness. Almost dry throughout the year, this spring miraculously fills with water during Lent, until Easter Monday. This natural phenomenon, shrouded in mystery, has made it a popular pilgrimage site for centuries. The faithful would go there to ask for graces, in a tradition blending spirituality and communion with nature.
The blockhouses: testimonies of the Second World War
As you exit the woods, several blockhouses recall a dark chapter in history. These structures were part of the defensive line designed in 1939 by General Chauvineau to slow the advance of enemy troops toward Paris. Hidden among the trees, these military remains, also present around Lévignen, offer a poignant glimpse into the defensive strategies implemented on the eve of the Second World War.
