The Château de la Madeleine was constructed primarily between the 11th and 14th centuries by the Seigneurs de Chevreuse.
The Regional Natural Park of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse was officially established in 1985 to preserve the rural landscape near the Paris metropolitan area.
The site acts as a gateway to the Yvette Valley, which features significant biodiversity including over 100 species of protected birds.
The park's territory contains more than 100 inventoried historical monuments, including numerous castles and monasteries.
The Château's defensive structure originally included seven towers, though only the keep and segments of the wall remain today.
The Maison du Parc is the visitor center for the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, located within the medieval ruins of the Château de la Madeleine. The site offers comprehensive information on the park's biodiversity, local heritage, and hiking trails covering 630 square kilometers. Its position on a spur overlooking the Yvette Valley provides an elevated vantage point over the surrounding forested plateau. The park spans 21 communes and is characterized by a mix of historical manors, religious architecture, and wetlands. Visitors can access a permanent exhibition regarding the geological and cultural history of the valley. It serves as the primary hub for managing outdoor recreation, including cycling loops and GR long-distance footpaths. The grounds include remnants of 11th-century fortifications, specifically the keep and curtain walls.
The viewpoint from the top of the ramparts looking east across the Yvette Valley.
Use the visitor center to pick up physical maps of the 'Chevreuse Valley' cycling routes.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the castle grounds consist of uneven gravel and grass paths.
Check the official website for scheduled guided nature walks led by park rangers.
Attempting to climb the castle ruins outside of designated public access areas, which are strictly off-limits for safety.
The park house and castle grounds may have restricted access during winter months or extreme weather conditions.
Respect the marked paths to protect the site's historical stone structures and local flora; keep dogs on a leash.
