Le Perray-en-Yvelines: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

In the Étangs de Hollande area, Le Perray-en-Yvelines is home to the Réserve naturelle nationale des étangs et rigoles d’Yveline. The Étangs de Hollande are an important bird sanctuary with extensive reed beds where numerous bird species breed. In spring and autumn, they are visited by migratory birds and serve as a wintering area for several species of duck.

Anyone considering Le Perray-en-Yvelines for a stay may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Nature

The Chaîne des Étangs de Hollande consists of six interconnected ponds: Étang de Saint-Hubert, Étang de Pourras, Étang de Corbet, Étang de Bourgneuf and the two Étangs de Hollande. It was created in the 17th century to supply the basins of the Palace of Versailles. The dam between Étang de Pourras and Étang de Corbet is a suitable place for birdwatching.

Culture

The Pavillon de Pourras was completed in 1808 and partially restored; its gabled façades are still visible. The Pont Napoléon was built between Étang de Pourras and Étang de Saint-Hubert for Louis XVI.

The Croix Saint-Jacques forms part of the “chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle” and has an obelisk shape that was preserved under Louis XV. The present-day parish church of Saint-Eloi may date from the second half of the 13th century, but was extensively remodelled; its bell tower was restored in 1779.

Public Life

The Médiathèque offers 30,000 documents, including books, comics, DVDs and audiobooks. People who do not live in Le Perray can also use the Médiathèque and borrow media there, provided they have a valid membership.

The diverse and free programme includes storytime sessions, activities for toddlers, meetings, book signings and performances.

Hiking

The station-to-station hike “Du Perray à Rambouillet par les étangs, les rigoles et la Drouette” runs through the Parc Naturel de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and the Forêt de Rambouillet, mostly through shaded terrain along ponds, small canals and the Drouette River.

Other places: Achères, Vernouillet, Thoiry, Moisson, Auffargis, Trappes, Maisons-Laffitte, Les Essarts-le-Roi

For the higher-level travel overview: Yvelines.