Machault combines a past strongly shaped by winegrowing with a remarkable natural setting. Until the end of the 19th century, more than 80 percent of the population worked in occupations related to winegrowing; the 70-hectare Espace Naturel Sensible de la Vallée Javot is also located in the commune. Nature, walking, local history and leisure facilities offer different ways to enjoy a stay. The walk can be planned as a separate activity alongside sightseeing and a visit to the leisure area.

Natural Setting and Walk

The Espace Naturel Sensible de la Vallée Javot forms a green network in the heart of the Brie. Its 70 hectares comprise a mosaic of mainly mesophilic woodlands, including oak-ash and beech-oak forests, as well as meadows, fallow land and aquatic habitats. The area is therefore shaped not only by woodland but also brings together a variety of habitat types.

The Espace Naturel Sensible de la Vallée Javot is partially open to the public via the hiking trail Des Vignes aux Vergers en Vallée Javot. The trail carries the FFRandonnée label, is 12.8 kilometres long and takes about three hours and 15 minutes. It is marked in green and classified as moderate. Its length and approximate walking time provide a practical guide for planning the day, while the difficulty rating offers an indication of the level of effort involved. Those planning the route can set aside time for it separately from a visit to the village or the leisure area.

Winegrowing, Orchards and Local History

The history of the Pressoir de Machault shows how agricultural practices changed over time. In the 1880s, it was converted from a wine press into a cider press. It belonged to the lords of Chapuis-Villiers, owners of the Ferme de Villiers and the Château de Chapuis. The commune later bought the press and rebuilt it on Place de la Mairie in 2000. This example illustrates two distinct chapters in local agricultural history: the past of winegrowing and the later importance of cider-making.

Winegrowing was not just one economic activity among many: until the end of the 19th century, more than 80 percent of the population worked in occupations related to it. Together with the Pressoir, this historical detail makes local agricultural history a particular point of interest for visitors. The reconstructed press on Place de la Mairie and the documented switch from wine to cider production offer different ways to explore the village.

Église Saint-Vincent

The Église Saint-Vincent dates from the 12th century and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1945. Its surviving architectural features include 15th-century tracery windows and vaults. The church thus brings together the age of the building itself and architectural details added much later.

The church can be viewed from the outside every day throughout the year. It is closed to the public; visits inside are possible on request during town hall opening hours. Anyone wishing to see the interior should therefore take the request procedure and town hall opening hours into account when planning a visit. Even without going inside, the church remains a visible landmark during a stay in Machault.

Leisure Facilities on Chemin Vert

The Aire de Loisirs du Chemin Vert brings together several sports and play facilities. The skatepark can be used with scooters, roller skates, skateboards and BMX bikes. A helmet and elbow, knee and wrist protection are required; the minimum age is eight. These age and equipment requirements are important for anyone planning to use the skatepark.

The site also includes a multisport court for football, basketball and handball. The playground is intended for children aged one to 16; children use it under adult supervision, and smoking is prohibited in the area. The different facilities therefore vary both in the activities they offer and in the conditions of use. Visitors can use these specific details to decide which facilities suit their stay, without treating the leisure area as having just one focus.

Discover More Destinations

Savigny-Le-Temple, Juilly, Ury, Coupvray, Les Chapelles-Bourbon, Coutevroult, Montry, Ozoir-La-Ferrière

For the overview of the wider area: Seine-Et-Marne.