Rochefort en Yvelines, the pretty medieval village and its treasures to discover in the Chevreuse Valley

Rochefort-en-Yvelines is a charming village nestled in the south-east of the Yvelines department, at the gateway to Essonne, nestling in the heart of the majestic Rambouillet forest. Just 30 minutes from the French capital by freeway, this village is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Part of the unspoilt Haute Vallée de Chevreuse region, Rochefort-en-Yvelines boasts a picturesque array of flower-filled lanes, remnants of fortifications and an ancient history.

Indeed, the history of Rochefort-en-Yvelines dates back to prehistoric times. The presence of flint tools and the discovery of the ornate Normont cave attest to its ancient habitation. Under the Romans, Rochefort's strategic location saw the construction of a Gallic oppidum, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding valleys. The landscape was then marked by the powerful fortified castle erected in the 11th century by Guy le Rouge, making Rochefort a possession of the Sires de Montlhéry.

The destiny of Rochefort-en-Yvelines is intertwined with that of great aristocratic families. The Garlande, Montfort and Silly dynasties have all left their mark on the area. Each of them, linked by marriages and alliances, has played a role in the evolution and heritage of this commune. The complex weave of their relationships, from the lineage of Guy le Rouge to the descendants of Montfort and Garlande, makes Rochefort-en-Yvelines not only a place of natural beauty, but also a bastion of French history.

It's time to immerse yourself in a 1-hour walking tour we've unearthed for you.

Discovery itinerary :

• The 12th-centurychurch: It proudly overlooks the village, offering a panoramic view of a mosaic of greens, greys and oranges. This enchanting forest setting is just like the village itself.
  

• The fortified castle: Lost in the forest, its ruins bear witness to its former glory. Once a fortress in the 11th century, it was at the center of a thriving commercial crossroads.
  

• Place des Halles: The vibrant heart of the village, imagine the echoes of the covered market of yesteryear. Admire the 17th-century town hall and take rue Guy le Rouge. Look out for details such as a scallop shell, wall rings and a mysterious pulley.
  

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• Laundries: Next up are the 2 laundries, the Chemin sous la ville in a verdant setting, and the Trou on rue Guy Le Rouge, in front of a beautiful pond inhabited by ducks. Here you can hear the voices of women washing clothes in days gone by.
  

• The historicwater pump: Discover the water pump, indispensable until the 20th century, which supplied the whole town with water.
  

Don't miss the 4 dragons trail, an 11km hike for a complete immersion in the adjacent forest. For golf enthusiasts, the Château Porgès opens its doors to you.

Historical details: Rochefort's name means Rupes Fortis, evoking its status as a stronghold.

Other places of interest:

• Ruins of the fortified castle (private)
• Palais des cardinaux de Rohan (private)
• Manoir de la Cense (private)
• Château Porgès (private)
  

Every corner of Rochefort-en-Yvelines is an invitation to discover. So, when's your next visit? One thing's for sure: once you've completed the tour, you'll want to come back and continue exploring!