An itinerary that takes you on a journey through the centuries
You’ll discover the places and some of the figures that have left their mark on the city of Jouy-en-Josas. Informational plaques at each point of interest (on building walls or posts) complete this tour.
1. Train Station
To begin your walk, you’ll find yourself in front of Jouy-en-Josas station.
On your left is our Tourist Office – feel free to step inside and have a look.
With the station behind you, cross Avenue Jean Jaurès and go up Rue du Temple, to your left.
At the end of this street stands the temple. On the perpendicular street, slightly to your left, you’ll see the house where Patrick Modiano spent part of his childhood.
2. Town Centre
Then, walk back down Rue du Temple to reach Avenue Jean Jaurès again.
Cross at the pedestrian crossing and take the tree-lined path running along the railway tracks. At the end, you’ll come across a small park where Napoleon I once awarded a Legion of Honour…
Facing the park stands today’s community hall of Jouy-en-Josas, with a plaque at the car park entrance recalling the former textile factory.
3. Rue Oberkampf
Continue your walk to the next junction, turn right and cross the railway. You’ll now be on Rue Oberkampf.
On your right, the large building with a glass façade is the Old Mill.
On your left are the Révérend houses, near the pharmacy, and the Écu de France (today the restaurant La Médina).
Head further up the street towards the church. Nearby are the cemetery and the grand HEC castle.
4. Domaine du Montcel
From the church, walk back down Rue Oberkampf, cross the railway again and pass by the Town Hall.
Cross Avenue Jean Jaurès to reach the pedestrian path in front of the stone bridge house. This path leads you straight to the entrance of Domaine du Montcel.
Very close by, on Rue de la Manufacture des Toiles de Jouy, you can also see Château de Vilvert.
5. Chemin de la Butte à Guétin
From the entrance to Domaine du Montcel, follow Rue du Montcel to the left.
At the junction with Rue Jean Bauvinon, cross the road and take the steps up Chemin de la Butte à Guétin.
⚠️ Take your time climbing – you’ll be going up almost 200 steps, so don’t forget to drink some water!
Continue straight ahead and you’ll reach the house of Léon Blum.
6. Metz District
Next, take Rue des Pétrins on your left, then Rue Victor Hugo.
On the façade of number 10, you’ll find an extract from a Victor Hugo poem, in tribute to his relationship with Juliette Drouet.
Following the same street to the junction, you’ll see Jeanne Blum School.
Turn left here onto Chemin du Vallot. On the edge of the forest, on your right, lies Domaine Pasteur.
7. Metz Forest
Carry on through the forest to enjoy the natural surroundings of the town.
At the Butte crossroads, turn left onto the small path that descends towards the Musée de la Toile de Jouy. You’ll pass through the Rosehip Park.
8. Along the Bièvre
Leave the museum car park and enter the park directly opposite.
Take the path to your left, running alongside the Bièvre River. Keep going straight until you approach the railway tracks.
Just on the other side of the tracks, at the junction, you’ll find Saint-Martin Mill and the Austerlitz Bridge.
Finally, return to Jouy-en-Josas station to complete your walk.
