Villette: Walking Trails, River Landscapes and Heritage

In Villette, walking trails, the Vaucouleurs, the Église Saint-Martin and the Pisciculture de Villette offer different themes to explore during a trip.

Walking between river landscapes and trails

On the Vaucouleurs, Île aux Pêcheurs lies between two branches of the river. This natural area is suitable for walks and observing the local flora and fauna. Fishing is also possible there, in a protected setting. Nature observation and fishing are thus two different ways to experience this place.

The “La trace de Chavannes à Bois Robert” route is a 5.5 km walk along tracks and trails. “La traversée des Déserts” is a 4 km circular route starting on Rue des Limons. This route can also be reached from Villette town hall via the GR 11; check the local route for this access point. The two route descriptions differ in both length and course: one is a walk along tracks and trails, while the other is a circular route.

For a plan that includes a stated walking time, “Villette – Bois et coteaux” offers specific guidance: the circular route is 5 to 10 km long, with a stated walking time of 2 to 4 hours. It passes the Moulin de Chavannes. The starting point is the car park opposite Villette town hall on Rue de l’Église. The route is open year-round and free to access. Check the access and car park details before setting out.

Église Saint-Martin and its architecture

The Église Saint-Martin is dedicated to Saint Martin and lies between the Vaucouleurs to the east and the Mauru canal to the west, also known as Mort Ru. The church is considered a Romanesque building. Its vaulted, wood-lined roof structure is shaped like an inverted ship’s keel and dates from the 16th century. The Romanesque classification refers to the building; the 16th-century date specifically refers to the roof structure.

Pisciculture de Villette: fish farming and visitor experiences

The Pisciculture de Villette was established in 1896. Its facilities include a trout fishing pond, picnic tables, benches, toilets, a barbecue and a boules court. Children aged four and over can fish in the pools; equipment is lent to them. This distinguishes the fishing opportunities for children from those available at the pond.

The Pisciculture also includes an ecomuseum housed in a 16th-century watermill. The discovery trail and ecomuseum are free to access during the shop’s opening hours. Plan your visit accordingly and check the opening hours in advance.

The shop mainly offers smoked products made on site, including salmon and trout smoked over a wood fire, as well as trout or salmon terrines and rillettes. The selection may change; if you are visiting for specific products, it is best to check in advance what is currently available.

A guided tour can be followed by a tasting of specialities accompanied by a glass of white wine. It lasts two hours and costs €10 per person; advance booking may be required. Tours of the Pisciculture and its smoking and canning facility may be available for groups. If interested, check in good time whether such a tour can be arranged.

Discover more destinations: Clairefontaine-En-Yvelines, Mareil-Marly, Les Bréviaires, Maurepas, Magny-Les-Hameaux, Hermeray, Blaru, Andrésy

For the main travel overview: Yvelines.