Discover Chavenay

Chavenay combines architectural and local history with a rural setting. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you are mainly interested in church architecture and historic everyday places, or in the landscape and how it is used.

Church of Saint-Pierre and architectural history

The Church of Saint-Pierre in Chavenay has been protected as a historic monument since June 7, 1933; its principal construction phase is dated to 987. Its nave comprises three bays, and the choir two; the choir has a flat east end. A bay is a section of the architectural layout: the three sections belong to the nave, and the two to the choir. The load-bearing components are made of locally sourced limestone. The walls are built of limestone and millstone, or entirely of millstone.

Installed in 1714, the altarpiece frames the painting “Les clés de Saint-Pierre.” The painting is a 19th-century copy after a work by Guido Reni; the original is in the Louvre. When comparing the dates, it is important to note that 1714 is the date the altarpiece was installed, not the date of the painted copy. This makes it possible to consider the furnishings and the painting separately.

Washhouse and local history

The washhouse is behind the Church of Saint-Pierre and was not roofed until the beginning of the 20th century. In the past, laundry in Chavenay was first cleaned in a washtub with ash and boiling water; washerwomen then scrubbed and rinsed it in cold water. Cleaning and subsequent treatment therefore used water at different temperatures.

In 1988, Ferme Brillon became an association and cultural center. Compared with the church’s principal construction phase, dated to 987, this conversion belongs to a much more recent chapter in local history.

Landscape and circular horse-riding route

The Ru de Gally flows through Chavenay. Together with the hilly terrain and the nearby forests of Marly and Saint-Germain, it shapes the landscape used by walkers, runners, and horse riders. Circular horse-riding route No. 7, “Boucle Royale,” runs through the Plaine de Versailles and crosses the Ru de Gally several times. The stream is therefore not only part of the landscape description, but also a recurring landmark along this route. Check current route conditions before setting out on a ride.

Organic oils and getting there

Ferme de Mézu produces organic oils from sunflowers, soybeans, camelina, and rapeseed. In Chavenay, the oils are available at Epis & Pains, 5 Rue de Gally.

Buses connect Chavenay with the Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche railway station, the stations in Villepreux or Plaisir, and Versailles. Check current bus services before your trip so you can choose a suitable connection for the rest of your journey.

Discover more destinations: Châteaufort, Maurepas, Beynes, Marly-Le-Roi, Arnouville-Lès-Mantes, Le Pecq, Hargeville, Davron

For the regional travel overview: Yvelines.