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France
Ile-de-France
Évry

Maisse

Attractions and Places To See around Maisse - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Maisse include a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes within the Essonne department of France. The commune is situated in the Gâtinais Regional Natural Park, offering diverse environments shaped by the Essonne River. Visitors can explore local heritage and various points of interest in the surrounding area.

Best attractions and places to see around Maisse

  • The most popular attractions is Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon, a man-made monument that commemorates the local resistance network during World War II. It offers views from its location.
  • Another must-see spot is Domaine de Courances, a castle and historical site covering 75 hectares. This estate features a 17th-century castle, gardens, and various water features.
  • Visitors also love Milly-la-Forêt, a nearby town with several historical points of interest. It includes a 15th-century market hall, Bonde Castle, and the former house of Jean Cocteau.
  • Maisse is known for historical monuments, natural areas, and charming villages. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient mills to significant churches and forests.
  • The attractions around Maisse are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 280 upvotes and 65 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon

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An imposing Lorraine cross stands here, in memory of the network of resistance fighters who worked from the massif of the three gables.

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Milly-la-Forêt

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The trail moves on to the main essentials
The hall
In 1479, by a special grace from Louis
The North-South facing Hall, 46 m long, 16 m wide and 13 m high, covers a total surface area of 730 m2.
48 oak pillars, resting on “dice”-cut stone bases, support a chestnut frame typical of Ile-de-France at that time; this frame presents to the north (on the rue Langlois side) a “pavilion” farm.
Today, La Halle is still the site of a market on Thursday afternoons. The square, the houses gathered all around, bear witness to the great commercial activity which already reigned in the region 500 years ago.
La Halle has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1923.
Bonde Castle
is located near the town center of Milly-la-Forêt, Built near an artificial island in the l'École river to the west of the Notre-Dame collegiate church, its park is bordered to the west by the course of the river which forms a moat to the north protecting the châtelet.
History
Built in the 12th century by the lords of Milly, the castle was ruined during the English siege in 1432.
At the end of the 15th century around 1475, owned by Admiral Louis Malet de Graville, it was rebuilt and enlarged. What was then the keep became the entrance gatehouse, the drawbridge was replaced by a permanent stone bridge and a gate closed access between the northern defense tower and the governor's house. A square courtyard was surrounded by a wall and had in the center a chapel dedicated to Saint Valentine.
The castle was successively the property of Hugues III de Bouville, Olivier V de Clisson, Jean II de Montmorency, Jean-François de Faudoas d'Averton, Marc-Antoine Front de Beaupoil de Saint-Aulaire and Pierre Marie of Lau d’Allemans.
In the 19th century, the towers of the chatelet were enhanced with brick battlements and a slender roof. In 1859 the Corne bridge was rebuilt near the castle washhouse which served as a watering trough for the animals. At the end of the 20th century the mills along the river were demolished.
In 1964, the Bonde washhouse downstream of the river which was part of the estate was rehabilitated. On December 20, 1972, the castle was partly listed as a historic monument.
The park was listed in 1991 for its fences, canals and paths.
the house of Jean Cocteau.

Entrance to the J. Cocteau house
[This 17th century residence, flanked by turrets, was formerly called the Governor's House. It corresponds to an old outbuilding of the castle in front of which the vassals came to pay homage and faith to their lord.
Jean Cocteau bought this house with Jean Marais in 1947 and lived there until his death.
Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church
Founded in the 11th century, the former chapel of the castle, it was rebuilt around 1485 on the orders of Admiral de Graville in the Gothic style of the 13th and 14th centuries.
The bell tower, 57 meters high, dates from the 11th century in its lower part and from the 12th and 13th centuries in its upper part. The arch of the main portal in the primitive Romanesque style comes from an old church in Milly (Saint-Pierre or Saint-Jacques). On the east side of the bell tower - Place Grammont side - the arms of Admiral de Graville are still visible.
Many works of sacred art are found inside the church. The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1926.
The dovecote; Located on the old triangular square of the dovecote cul de sac, this old building was part of the Domaine du Moustier, property of Fulbert I, lord of Milly and officer at the court of Dagobert I in the 7th century. Destroyed in 1432 or 1433, the complex included a vast farm. According to a count in 1792 it had around 1200 niches. Only the lords held the right to build these premises designed for breeding.
The Moustier de Péronne gate is one of the oldest vestiges of Milly and dates from the 7th century. It provided access to the moustier (monastery in old French) owned by Fulbert I, who obtained the land of Milly from Dagobert I. His son Wulfran was born there around the year 635. Entering religion, he became the apostle of the frieze (Netherlands), then bishop of Sens before retiring to Saint Wandrille where he died in 720.

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Domaine de Courances

Highlight • Castle

Located less than an hour from Paris, in the heart of the Gâtinais, the Domaine de Courances covers 75 hectares, surrounded by water, trees and the sky. Everything is to be discovered, throughout the seasons: the Castle, the Gardens, the Foulerie, the Vegetable garden... Let yourself be inspired by these places of charm and history.
domainedecourances.com

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Templar cross ?

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There is no classic wayside cross (sometimes called a field cross in the open field) or a summit cross that crowns a mountain, but a rock engraving. The lower half of the drawing—whenever scratched into the rock—shows a chalice, such as might be used at Eucharistic celebrations. The outer edge of the vessel is decorated with a cross. Another great cross grows out of the chalice itself.
Whether this rock engraving is actually connected to the order of the Knights Templar (the exact name was “Poor Knighthood of Christ and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem”), as indicated as a question in the highlight title, I cannot judge. In this case it would have to go back to the 12th or 13th century, i.e. it would have to have been preserved for a very long time.

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The Chapel of Saint-Blaise des Simples is the only testimony to a leper colony dating from the 12th century. Saint Blaise had the reputation of being a healer and of caring for men and animals through prayer, but above all through medicinal plants, called "simple". Away from the village, this leper house housed lepers until the 16th century.
At the dawn of the 18th century, the uninhabited and ruined buildings were demolished. Only the chapel remained, which was sold during the Revolution, and remained empty and forgotten.
At the end of the 1950s, some personalities of the city had the idea of rehabilitating the chapel and entrusting the artistic restoration of the walls to Jean Cocteau. The poet chooses the Simples as a decorative theme.
It is in this Chapel that Jean Cocteau rests for eternity with these words signed on the large slab of his tomb: "I remain with you".
It can be visited from March 1 to October 30 for an entrance fee of €3.

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Tips from the Community

Natevry
July 15, 2025, Domaine de Courances

photo break for the cycling group.

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view

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This Lorraine cross is actually located on the gable of the maquisards. There is a beautiful view of Fontainebleau. This place also serves as a break/photo point for trailers/hikers.

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superb little chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau where he rests. a commentary said by Jean Marais accompanied the visit. a so-called simple garden adjoins the chapel. there are many medicinal plants found there. entrance price 3 euros

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Randopiednue
February 9, 2024, Milly la foret

The trail moves on to the main essentials The hall In 1479, by a special grace from Louis The North-South facing Hall, 46 m long, 16 m wide and 13 m high, covers a total surface area of 730 m2. 48 oak pillars, resting on “dice”-cut stone bases, support a chestnut frame typical of Ile-de-France at that time; this frame presents to the north (on the rue Langlois side) a “pavilion” farm. Today, La Halle is still the site of a market on Thursday afternoons. The square, the houses gathered all around, bear witness to the great commercial activity which already reigned in the region 500 years ago. La Halle has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1923. Bonde Castle is located near the town center of Milly-la-Forêt, Built near an artificial island in the l'École river to the west of the Notre-Dame collegiate church, its park is bordered to the west by the course of the river which forms a moat to the north protecting the châtelet. History Built in the 12th century by the lords of Milly, the castle was ruined during the English siege in 1432. At the end of the 15th century around 1475, owned by Admiral Louis Malet de Graville, it was rebuilt and enlarged. What was then the keep became the entrance gatehouse, the drawbridge was replaced by a permanent stone bridge and a gate closed access between the northern defense tower and the governor's house. A square courtyard was surrounded by a wall and had in the center a chapel dedicated to Saint Valentine. The castle was successively the property of Hugues III de Bouville, Olivier V de Clisson, Jean II de Montmorency, Jean-François de Faudoas d'Averton, Marc-Antoine Front de Beaupoil de Saint-Aulaire and Pierre Marie of Lau d’Allemans. In the 19th century, the towers of the chatelet were enhanced with brick battlements and a slender roof. In 1859 the Corne bridge was rebuilt near the castle washhouse which served as a watering trough for the animals. At the end of the 20th century the mills along the river were demolished. In 1964, the Bonde washhouse downstream of the river which was part of the estate was rehabilitated. On December 20, 1972, the castle was partly listed as a historic monument. The park was listed in 1991 for its fences, canals and paths. the house of Jean Cocteau.  Entrance to the J. Cocteau house [This 17th century residence, flanked by turrets, was formerly called the Governor's House. It corresponds to an old outbuilding of the castle in front of which the vassals came to pay homage and faith to their lord. Jean Cocteau bought this house with Jean Marais in 1947 and lived there until his death. Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church Founded in the 11th century, the former chapel of the castle, it was rebuilt around 1485 on the orders of Admiral de Graville in the Gothic style of the 13th and 14th centuries. The bell tower, 57 meters high, dates from the 11th century in its lower part and from the 12th and 13th centuries in its upper part. The arch of the main portal in the primitive Romanesque style comes from an old church in Milly (Saint-Pierre or Saint-Jacques). On the east side of the bell tower - Place Grammont side - the arms of Admiral de Graville are still visible. Many works of sacred art are found inside the church. The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1926. The dovecote; Located on the old triangular square of the dovecote cul de sac, this old building was part of the Domaine du Moustier, property of Fulbert I, lord of Milly and officer at the court of Dagobert I in the 7th century. Destroyed in 1432 or 1433, the complex included a vast farm. According to a count in 1792 it had around 1200 niches. Only the lords held the right to build these premises designed for breeding. The Moustier de Péronne gate is one of the oldest vestiges of Milly and dates from the 7th century. It provided access to the moustier (monastery in old French) owned by Fulbert I, who obtained the land of Milly from Dagobert I. His son Wulfran was born there around the year 635. Entering religion, he became the apostle of the frieze (Netherlands), then bishop of Sens before retiring to Saint Wandrille where he died in 720.

Translated by Google

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There is no classic wayside cross (sometimes called a field cross in the open field) or a summit cross that crowns a mountain, but a rock engraving. The lower half of the drawing—whenever scratched into the rock—shows a chalice, such as might be used at Eucharistic celebrations. The outer edge of the vessel is decorated with a cross. Another great cross grows out of the chalice itself. Whether this rock engraving is actually connected to the order of the Knights Templar (the exact name was “Poor Knighthood of Christ and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem”), as indicated as a question in the highlight title, I cannot judge. In this case it would have to go back to the 12th or 13th century, i.e. it would have to have been preserved for a very long time.

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This small sacred monument, in the shape of a "Croix de Lorraine," rises majestically on the Pignon des Maquisards. The structure consists of several elements: a two-tiered foundation above the rock, followed by a brick base containing a plaque with a dedicatory inscription. On top of this rests a brick obelisk, tapering slightly towards the top but not terminating in a point. Above the obelisk, the actual cross, visible from afar, stands enthroned in its typical form with two horizontal crossbeams.

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Great view, possibility to sit down for a break

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore in and around Maisse?

Maisse and its surroundings are rich in history. Within the village, you can visit the historic Saint-Médard Church, which dates back to the 12th century with 15th-century remodels, and the ancient Moulin de Saint-Eloi. Nearby, the Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon commemorates local resistance during WWII. Just a short distance away, Milly-la-Forêt offers its 15th-century market hall, Bonde Castle, and the former house of Jean Cocteau. The Domaine de Courances, with its 17th-century castle and gardens, is also a significant historical site.

Are there any natural attractions or outdoor areas to visit near Maisse?

Yes, Maisse is nestled within the Gâtinais Regional Natural Park, offering diverse natural landscapes. The picturesque Essonne River flows through the village, creating unique swampy, sandy, and aquifer environments. You can also explore Le Patouillat Wood, known for its sandstone blocks and prehistoric carvings, and Bois de Malabri, ideal for hiking with its sandstone rocks and sand dunes.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Maisse?

The region around Maisse is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For detailed routes and guides, explore options like MTB Trails around Maisse, Gravel biking around Maisse, and Cycling around Maisse. The Le Patouillat Wood is also popular for climbing.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Maisse area?

Absolutely! The Domaine de Courances is a family-friendly destination, offering beautiful gardens and a castle to explore. The Gâtinais Regional Natural Park, which Maisse is part of, also organizes various activities and thematic hikes suitable for families. Exploring the natural woods like Le Patouillat Wood and Bois de Malabri can also be a fun outdoor adventure for all ages.

What are some unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the region?

Beyond the well-known sites, Maisse holds some intriguing 'hidden gems.' The Prehistoric Engravings at Tramerolles offer a rare glimpse into ancient human activity, protected as a historical monument. The Epitaph of Etienne Ingrain and a Law Relief are also classified as Historic Monuments within Maisse, providing unique historical details. Additionally, the local Trough and Wash-House offer a charming look into the village's past daily life.

What is the best time of year to visit Maisse and its attractions?

The best time to visit Maisse is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasant for exploring the natural landscapes, hiking trails, and gardens of sites like the Domaine de Courances. Many outdoor activities and events within the Gâtinais Regional Natural Park are also more accessible during these seasons.

Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility considerations?

Yes, the Market Hall of Milly-la-Forêt is noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to experience this historic 15th-century structure. While specific details for all sites are not available, many village centers and main pathways in towns like Maisse and Milly-la-Forêt offer relatively flat terrain for easier navigation.

Can I bring my dog on walks or to attractions around Maisse?

Many of the natural areas and hiking trails around Maisse, particularly within the Gâtinais Regional Natural Park and local woods like Bois de Malabri, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and check specific regulations for individual attractions or protected natural sites before visiting. For example, some historical sites or private estates may have restrictions.

Where can I find information about local events or activities in the Gâtinais Regional Natural Park?

The Gâtinais Regional Natural Park, which encompasses Maisse, frequently organizes various activities such as thematic hikes and exhibitions. For the most current information on events and activities, it is best to check the official website of the Gâtinais Regional Natural Park or local tourist information centers, such as the one for Milly-la-Forêt, which can be found at millylaforet-tourisme.com.

What are the most popular attractions according to the komoot community?

The komoot community highly appreciates the Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon, which is a man-made monument offering magnificent views and a place to sit for a break. The Domaine de Courances is also very popular for its relaxing green setting, beautiful castle, and refreshing pools and streams. Visitors also enjoy exploring Milly-la-Forêt for its historical charm.

Are there any prehistoric sites near Maisse?

Yes, Maisse offers a glimpse into prehistoric times. The Prehistoric Engravings at Tramerolles are located in a cave and are a protected historical monument, showcasing ancient human activity. Additionally, some rocks within Le Patouillat Wood also bear traces of prehistoric carvings, adding to the region's ancient heritage.

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