Villejust: Landscape and Local History

Villejust combines landscapes with a long local history. Key points to consider when planning your trip include the protected sand quarry, Parc des Deux Lacs, the restoration of the Rouillon and the church’s historical connections. There are also walks with different focuses: a newly created footpath and ethnobotanical activities. This gives you the opportunity to decide whether landscape, outdoor activity or history is what interests you most about Villejust.

Geology and Landscape

The sand quarry in the Bois de Lunézy lies between Villejust and Saulx-les-Chartreux and has been protected by the Réserve des Sites Géologiques de l’Essonne since 1996. Geology is therefore a tangible feature of Villejust’s landscape. For travellers interested in geological sites, the quarry offers a distinct point of interest.

Parc des Deux Lacs was established in the southern part of the Courtabœuf business park in the late 1980s and covers about ten hectares. The park has surface lakes. Its approximate area gives an idea of the site’s scale, while the period in which it was created identifies it as a landscaped area. The former gravel pit has a different character: it is overgrown with vegetation and forms a landscape area that should be preserved. The park and gravel pit thus represent different aspects of Villejust’s landscape.

Church History in Villejust

A chapel or church existed in Villejust before the 12th century. The church in Villejust was consecrated on 13 May 1356, when Charles, Bishop of Megara, blessed its four altars. This distinguishes an early ecclesiastical presence from a later event with a specific date. The date, bishop and number of altars place the consecration precisely in the town’s history.

Walks and Plant Knowledge

As part of the ecological restoration of the Rouillon, 235 metres of the river were uncovered in Villejust. A new footpath for walkers was also created. The river stretch and path thus connect a change to the landscape with an opportunity to explore the area on foot.

Ethnobotanical walks in Villejust offer a different perspective. They are led by Ramona Strachinaru, an ethnobotanist and herbal gardener who specialises in edible plants and arboreal heritage. This specialist focus draws attention to plant knowledge and trees. As the people involved may change, check what is currently on offer before your trip.

The walks differ considerably in their focus: the new footpath was created in connection with the restoration of the Rouillon, while the ethnobotanical walks focus on plants and arboreal heritage. Geology and parkland complement these nature-related themes; the church’s history provides a distinct cultural point of interest to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Arpajon, Champmotteux, La Ville-Du-Bois, Morangis, Lardy, Guillerval, Villiers-sur-Orge, Boissy-Sous-Saint-Yon

For the main travel overview: Essonne.