Étangs de Commelles & Château de la Reine Blanche
A fairytale escape in Chantilly Forest, featuring tranquil ponds, ancient trees, and the enchanting Château de la Reine Blanche.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful walks
Étangs de Commelles & Château de la Reine Blanche
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale escape in Chantilly Forest, featuring tranquil ponds, ancient trees, and the enchanting Château de la Reine Blanche.
"Hidden in the Chantilly Forest, Les Étangs de Commelles feel like a scene from a fairytale—tranquil waters, whispering trees, and a castle by the lake."
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available, including designated lots and roadside verges .
🚶♀️ Forest Trek from Station
An easy trek from RER D station to the ponds, download offline maps as network can be unreliable .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Château de la Reine Blanche
Edge of the ponds
A charming 17th-century castle overlooking the tranquil waters, adding a fairytale touch to the landscape.
The Figure-8 Ponds
Central area
Explore the unique figure-8 shaped ponds, perfect for leisurely walks and observing diverse water-based wildlife.
Chantilly Forest Trails
Surrounding the ponds
Wander through shaded paths lined with ancient trees, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Paris to a Fairytale
Best Time for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available, including designated lots and roadside verges.
🚶♀️ Forest Trek from Station
An easy trek from RER D station to the ponds, download offline maps as network can be unreliable.
🐶 Dogs on Leash Welcome
Enjoy walks around the ponds with your dogs, but ensure they are kept on a leash.
☕ Creperie Treat
A small restaurant/creperie is available, but check opening hours as it might be closed mid-week.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available, including designated lots and roadside verges.
🚶♀️ Forest Trek from Station
An easy trek from RER D station to the ponds, download offline maps as network can be unreliable.
🐶 Dogs on Leash Welcome
Enjoy walks around the ponds with your dogs, but ensure they are kept on a leash.
☕ Creperie Treat
A small restaurant/creperie is available, but check opening hours as it might be closed mid-week.
📸 Fairytale Photo Ops
Capture magical moments with the castle and serene water reflections, perfect for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and fairytale atmosphere of Étangs de Commelles, especially the charming Château de la Reine Blanche. The walking trails are lovely, and the opportunity to observe wildlife is a significant draw. While the creperie offers good food, its opening hours can be inconsistent, and some visitors have noted concerns about water cleanliness, though this is not a universal sentiment.
"Creperie has great food, but might be closed during week. Regardless of that the walks are beautiful and you get a possibility of a treat at the end."
Peter Schraml
"Lovely walk around the ponds with plenty of water based wildlife to look out for. Birds, dragonflies, otters (see video) Cafe at one side near the “porch and balustrade” but we didn’t stop as no shaded umbrella tables available. It was quiet on walk around the ponds, Thursday afternoon, but I imagine can be busy at weekends. Parking seems freely available with several designated car parks but also roadside verges also."
will mcmurtrie
"Absolutely lovely . Very nice long lake. Birds are nesting. Very nice small restaurant with washroom. There is trail all around the pond. You can come here by car because it has many free parking area. Few ice cream trucks as well. You can also come here from nearest RER D station walking because there is a easy trek from station till pond. Please download offline map because you may not find network at some places ( I had lebara sim). There is a old building too. There are many other treks in case you want to go in forest area. RER D frequency is good"
Irfan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Étangs de Commelles from Paris by taking the RER D train to Orry-la-Ville – Coye station. From there, it's a pleasant 20-minute walk through the forest.
Yes, it's accessible via public transport. The RER D line provides a convenient route, and the walk from the station is described as an 'easy trek'.
Parking is generally free and readily available, with several designated car parks and roadside verges.
The journey from Paris is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your mode of transport.
Yes, the RER D line has good frequency, making it a reliable option for reaching the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Étangs de Commelles and the surrounding forest is generally free. It's a natural area for exploration and walks.
As a natural park and forest area, Étangs de Commelles does not have set opening or closing hours and is accessible at all times.
Information regarding specific entry fees for the Château de la Reine Blanche is not widely available, suggesting it may be viewed from the outside or have free access to its grounds.
Visitors are encouraged to preserve the environment. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Yes, the area is accessible year-round, though spring is highlighted as a particularly beautiful time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beautiful walks around the ponds, observe water-based wildlife like birds and dragonflies, explore the Chantilly Forest trails, and admire the Château de la Reine Blanche.
Yes, the area offers multiple trails within the Chantilly Forest, providing opportunities for forest hiking.
Visitors can spot water-based wildlife such as birds, dragonflies, and potentially otters.
The trail around the ponds is described as easy and is shaped like a figure-8, making it simple to navigate.
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash during your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small restaurant or creperie located by the water, offering food and washroom facilities. Ice cream trucks may also be present.
The creperie is known for having great food, particularly crepes.
The creperie might be closed during the week, so it's advisable to check its operating hours before your visit.
While not explicitly mentioned, the natural setting with walking trails suggests ample opportunities for picnics.
Shaded umbrella tables might not always be available, so be prepared for this possibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The combination of the tranquil ponds, majestic trees, and the Château de la Reine Blanche creates a fairytale-like atmosphere perfect for photography.
Early mornings are magical, with fresh air and the sound of birds.
The reflections of the trees and the castle in the water are stunning. The forest trails also offer beautiful, natural light settings.
One user shared drone footage, suggesting it's possible, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks.
Portrait photography is popular, with creators capturing unique shots against the backdrop of the ponds and castle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the natural beauty, or check if the creperie is open for a treat.
🚶♀️ Nature Walk Enthusiasts
Beyond the ponds, the Chantilly Forest provides extensive hiking trails for a more immersive forest experience.
📸 Photographers
+1 The surrounding forest offers beautiful light filtering through the trees, perfect for capturing atmospheric shots.Experiment with different angles to showcase the unique figure-8 layout of the ponds or focus on the abundant wildlife.
Early mornings offer a serene ambiance with soft light and the awakening of nature.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Enchanting Landscape
These tranquil ponds are surrounded by shaded dirt paths, often lined with ancient trees, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The landscape is further enhanced by the presence of the Château de la Reine Blanche, a charming 17th-century castle perched on the water's edge, adding a touch of historical romance to the natural beauty.+1This area is recognized as a Zone of Ecological Interest, Faunal, and Floral, highlighting its importance for biodiversity.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of water-based wildlife, including birds and dragonflies.Getting to and Around Étangs de Commelles
This trek is described as easy and is a great way to start immersing yourself in the natural surroundings.For those who prefer to drive, free parking is readily available, with several designated car parks and options for roadside parking.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
Early mornings are particularly recommended for experiencing the area's natural symphony. As the sun rises, you can feel the fresh air and listen to the birds awakening before they take flight, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
The surrounding Chantilly Forest also contributes to the rich biodiversity, with its ancient trees and varied flora, making it a significant Zone of Ecological Interest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit