The shimmering surface reflects a Parisian sky. This is the Étang de la Vieille Ferme. A peaceful pond it seems now. Yet its depths hold a story of industry and loss.
The Étang de la Vieille Ferme wasn’t always a tranquil spot. It’s a reminder of a bustling past. For centuries a large farm stood here. Records show its existence as far back as August 2 1478. Then it was 50 arpents of land. The farm grew. It eventually covered over 600 arpents. People entered via the Chemin de la Bosse. That’s now Rue du Docteur Touboul.
The French Revolution impacted the area. Both the large and small Gréssillons farms were sold as national property. Pierre Gilbert de Voisin their owner was later guillotined upon returning from emigration.
Sadly the old farmhouse itself disappeared. It was destroyed in 1985. The Étang de la Vieille Ferme remains. It’s the only evidence of this once vibrant farm. The pond is a consequence of sand mining. The Seine’s waters infiltrated the area creating this unexpected lake.
Today the Étang de la Vieille Ferme is part of the Parc du Peuple de l’Herbe. It’s an eleven-hectare expanse. It’s a place for quiet contemplation. It’s a place to reflect on the layers of history beneath the surface. It’s a testament to the enduring power of nature. The Étang de la Vieille Ferme is more than just a pond. It’s a living memorial. It’s a hidden gem in Carrières-sous-Poissy. It whispers tales of a bygone era. It invites us to pause and appreciate the legacy of the past.