Walk concludes at Vaucresson station

The walk along the Green Belt of Île-de-France has reached its conclusion, with the final leg taking travelers from Poissy to Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. The journey included a visit to the Marly domain, a spectacular site built under Louis XIV, and featured a walk through the Marly state forest, where diverse flora and fauna were encountered.

Natural beauty of Marly state forest

The forest, with its steep and wild trails, sandy ground, and a variety of tree species, offered a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region. Among the wildlife, a woodpecker was identified, and the forest also housed historical vestiges such as the ruins of Retz, the Saint-Michel cross, and the Criton gate.

Historical significance of the Marly domain

The walk led to the Marly domain, often described as the "anti-Versailles" of Louis XIV. Although the original royal pavilion and guest houses have been demolished, the grandiloquent spirit of the site remains, marked by a formidable statuary including four stone runners.

Hydraulic engineering of the Marly machine

The Marly machine, an ingenious hydraulic feat from around 1680, once supplied water to the gardens of Versailles and Marly from the Seine. This engineering marvel was crucial in maintaining the elaborate water features of the royal gardens.

Cultural and artistic highlights of the journey

The journey also included a visit to Louveciennes, a village immortalized by the impressionist Pissarro, and the village center of La Celle-Saint-Cloud, notable for its tree-lined square, pastel-colored houses, and a luxurious fountain. The final stage of the walk ended at the Butard pavilion, a former hunting lodge of Louis XV, now covered in graffiti.

Details of the walk and additional attractions

The walk, which began at Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche station and ended at Vaucresson station, covered a distance of 11.8 km and took approximately three hours. Travelers are encouraged to visit the Museum of the Royal Domain of Marly, which houses exhibits on the history of the domain and the Marly machine.

Exhibitions and dining options

The museum also features an exhibition on Jeanne du Barry, running from October 16, 2026, to February 28, 2027. Additional cultural experiences include a visit to the Tourguéniev Datcha Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the Russian writer. For dining, visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine at Le Petit Chez Soi, located in a beautiful 17th-century building.