From Villepreux, where Saint Vincent de Paul founded a house of charity, discover the charming village of Rennemoulin.
It was in Villepreux that Saint Vincent de Paul founded the second house of charity in the Kingdom of France. He also served as a tutor in the household of Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi, General of the Galleys of France.
To discover along the way
The Royal Avenue of Villepreux (from Versailles to Villepreux):
This was the main avenue among five radiating from the Étoile Royale, forming a majestic landscape ensemble once compared to “the King’s hand resting upon his territory.” Extending from the Grand Canal, the Royal Avenue of Villepreux connects the Palace of Versailles to the town of Villepreux, crossing the King’s great hunting grounds. Designed by André Le Nôtre, landscape architect of the Palace gardens, the avenue was conceived as a clear axis visible from the Hall of Mirrors, stretching to the horizon to enhance the geometric perfection of the gardens. About 5 km long, it was a grass-covered avenue framed by two main paths 5 metres wide, lined with a double row of elm trees, with additional outer paths measuring 3 metres.
Saint Nicholas Chapel (Rennemoulin):
Built in 1202 on the banks of the Gally stream, the chapel of the former Saint Nicholas Priory became a parish church in the 16th century and continued to be administered by priors of the abbey. Deconsecrated in 1793, its cloister has since disappeared. The chapel was restored in 2016.
The Gally Stream (Rennemoulin):
A watercourse that rises in the Park of the Palace of Versailles, which you cross via a stone bridge in Rennemoulin.
Saint Nicholas Washhouse (Rennemoulin):
One of the few washhouses in the region built as an atrium, it contains an oratory dedicated to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Rennemoulin until the French Revolution.
Saint Vincent de Paul House (Villepreux):
In 1613, Vincent de Paul became tutor to the youngest child of Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi. Deeply moved by the material and spiritual poverty of rural populations, he opened a house of charity in 1618. Today, it is one of the rare surviving half-timbered houses in the region.
