Le Perray-En-Yvelines: Ponds, Nature and History

Le Perray-En-Yvelines can be explored particularly through two themes: the landscape of the Étangs de Hollande and the town’s cultural history. The interconnected ponds reflect the history of water management and are home to an important bird sanctuary. There are also buildings associated with different periods and a local cultural programme. These themes offer different starting points for planning a stay.

Ponds with a history and birdlife

The Chaîne des Étangs de Hollande consists of six interconnected ponds: the Étang de Saint-Hubert, the Étang de Pourras, the Étang de Corbet, the Étang de Bourgneuf and the two Étangs de Hollande. The complex was created in the 17th century to supply the basins of the Palace of Versailles. Those interested in the landscape will therefore find not just individual bodies of water, but an interconnected system with a historic purpose.

Another structure associated with the pond landscape is the Pavillon de Pourras. It was completed in 1808 and partially restored; its gabled façades are still visible. The surviving façades and the chain of ponds offer different historical perspectives: here, the focus is on a single building; there, on an interconnected system of water basins.

Birdwatching throughout the year

The Réserve naturelle nationale des étangs et rigoles d’Yveline is located in Le Perray-En-Yvelines, in the Étangs de Hollande area. Extensive reed beds provide nesting sites for numerous bird species. Migratory birds arrive in spring and autumn, while several duck species use the area to overwinter. The seasons thus bring different highlights for observation: migratory birds are present in spring and autumn, while several duck species overwinter here.

The dam between the Étang de Pourras and the Étang de Corbet is a good place for birdwatching. It offers a specific landmark if you would like to focus on the birdlife of the ponds. Together with the reed beds and seasonal bird movements, it also makes the waterscape a subject of interest for nature enthusiasts during your stay.

Buildings from different periods

The historic buildings also offer different perspectives. The Pont Napoléon was built between the Étang de Pourras and the Étang de Saint-Hubert for Louis XVI. The Croix Saint-Jacques is part of the “chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle”; its obelisk shape was preserved under Louis XV. The bridge’s name and the cross’s connection with the Way of St James point to two different historical associations.

The date of the present-day parish church of Saint-Eloi should be treated with caution: it may date from the second half of the 13th century, but it has undergone extensive alterations. The bell tower was restored in 1779. The church’s possible original date, its later alterations and the specific year in which the tower was restored are therefore distinct aspects of its history.

Cultural programme and a walk

The Médiathèque complements the historical and landscape themes with a local cultural offering. A municipal statement from 2025 lists a collection of 30,000 items, including books, comics, DVDs and audiobooks. People who do not live in Le Perray can also use the Médiathèque and borrow items if they have a valid membership. Check the current membership conditions in advance.

The varied free programme includes storytimes, activities for young children, gatherings, book signings and performances. Individual events may vary. If you would like to include the cultural programme in your plans, check which events are being offered during your stay.

Another way to experience several landscape features together is the station-to-station walk “Du Perray à Rambouillet par les étangs, les rigoles et la Drouette”. It passes through the Parc Naturel de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and the Forêt de Rambouillet, mostly along shaded paths beside ponds, small canals and the Drouette. Forest, water, canals and river all feature in the route description. If you plan to take the walk, check the current trail conditions.

Discover more destinations: La Boissière-Ecole, Moisson, Bennecourt, Le Tremblay-Sur-Mauldre, Andrésy, Arnouville-Lès-Mantes, Clairefontaine-En-Yvelines, Carrières-Sur-Seine.

For the broader travel overview: Yvelines.