Abbéville-La-Rivière: Nature and local history

Abbéville-La-Rivière brings together nature-based activities and tangible traces of local history. At the Sources de l'Eclimont, visitors can try sight fishing and take a walk with a llama; the circular trail “La vallée de l'Éclimont” also begins and ends here. A wetland, a historic polishing stone, and a masonry basin once used for water add to the picture. You can plan your stay around your interests, whether they are rivers and nature, a walking route, or local heritage.

Fly Fishing and a Walk with a Llama

The fly-fishing course at the Sources de l'Eclimont offers sight fishing in a natural, well-preserved setting. The water is clear all year round, allowing visitors along the entire course to observe and learn about fish behavior while sight fishing. The cleared banks allow anglers to cast and play fish without stepping into the water. Fly-fishing lessons are also offered at the Sources throughout the year. Check the current lesson arrangements before you travel.

The two-hour llama walk is designed to explore the springs and the agility obstacle course; visitors lead a llama on a leash. The activity also offers a chance to discover the river that feeds the fly-fishing course. The two activities therefore have different focuses: fly fishing centers on observing and learning about fish behavior, while the walk focuses on the springs, river, and agility course.

Walking Trail and Natural Environment

The circular walking trail “La vallée de l'Éclimont” is 15.50 km long and begins and ends in Abbéville-La-Rivière. At the Moulin de Fontenette, the trail follows the course of the Éclimont. Both the route’s length and a specific riverside section are therefore part of its description.

The wetland of the Juine and Éclimont valleys follows the course of the Éclimont to the southeast and includes marshy woodland formations of botanical and entomological interest. This points to plants and insects as particular natural features of the area. Abbéville-La-Rivière also belongs to the Natura 2000 site “Pelouses calcaires de la haute vallée de la Juine.”

Local Heritage and Planning Your Visit

The Polissoir de Tourneville is a historic site on a rock of Fontainebleau sandstone. Two parallel grooves and three polishing hollows mark the rock. It lies where the path known as Jouanet meets a rural lane leading to the Ferme de l’Hôpital. The Mare-Abreuvoir is a masonry basin that formerly served as a livestock watering place and as a water reserve in case of fire; it remains part of the local landscape and heritage. The two historic landmarks are clearly distinct: the Polissoir is defined by its rock formation, while the Mare-Abreuvoir is defined by its former uses.

You can visit the Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre daily throughout the year, by appointment only; arrange your visit in advance.

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