Between two branches of the Vaucouleurs lies Île aux Pêcheurs. Walking routes, Église Saint-Martin and Pisciculture de Villette each offer a distinct experience. You can get to know Villette through its riverside scenery and walks, its architectural history or its fish farm.
Walks and walking routes
ĂŽle aux PĂŞcheurs is a natural area on the Vaucouleurs, suitable for walks and observing the local flora and fauna. Fishing is also possible there, in a protected setting. The place appeals to a range of interests, whether you are looking for a walk in nature or an opportunity to observe plant and animal life.
There are walking routes of varying lengths and types. “La trace de Chavannes à Bois Robert” is a 5.5 km walking route along roads and paths. “La traversée des Déserts” is a 4 km circular route that starts on Rue des Limons. The circular route can also be reached from the town hall via the GR 11; check the signs on site.
Another option is the “Villette – Bois et coteaux” circular route, which covers 5 to 10 km and takes 2 to 4 hours to walk. Along the way, 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. As access and parking information may change, check before setting out.
Église Saint-Martin and its architecture
Église Saint-Martin is dedicated to Saint Martin and lies between the Vaucouleurs to the east and the Mauru Canal to the west. The canal is also called Mort Ru. The church is considered a Romanesque building, and its location between river and canal provides another local connection to the landscape.
A distinctive architectural feature is the vaulted roof structure, clad in wood. It is shaped like an inverted ship’s keel and dates from the 16th century. Those interested in church architecture will find here not only its Romanesque classification but also a specific feature from a later period.
Fish farming, ecomuseum and visitor activities
Pisciculture de Villette was established in 1896. It includes an ecomuseum in a 16th-century watermill. The discovery trail and ecomuseum are free to visit during shop opening hours. As access depends on these opening hours, check them before your visit.
The site includes a trout fishing pond, picnic tables, benches, toilets, a barbecue and a boules court. Facilities may change, so check what is currently available before your visit. Children aged four and over can fish in pools, and equipment is lent to them. As the age limit and equipment arrangements may change, confirm both in advance.
The shop mainly sells smoked products made on site. These include salmon and trout smoked over a wood fire, as well as trout or salmon terrines and rillettes. The selection may change. A tour of the fish farm can be combined with a tasting of its 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 fish farm and its smokehouse-cannery may also be available for groups, so make arrangements in advance.
When choosing a hotel in Villette, consider whether you mainly want to go hiking, explore the architecture of Église Saint-Martin or set aside time for the fish farm. The walking options vary in distance and stated duration, while the fish farm offers both independent visits and tours subject to availability. This allows you to tailor the focus of your stay to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Rochefort-En-Yvelines, Épône, Ablis, Poissy, Marly-Le-Roi, L'Étang-la-Ville, Mézières-Sur-Seine, Louveciennes
For the broader travel overview: Yvelines.
