Reflections shimmer on the water’s surface. Here at Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque, we find a story of transformation. These serene ponds are not just a picturesque part of the Versailles forest. They are vital components of a historical water system. Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque together cover 15 hectares. They are part of the larger Étangs de la Minière.
The ponds’ story starts long ago. Originally, the area was marshland. The Bièvre River flowed through it. In 1668, Jean-Baptiste Colbert initiated the creation of the first pond. This was to supply water to the Park of Versailles. The river became the “River of the Sun King”. Water from Étang de la Minière was pumped to Satory plateau. Windmills powered these pumps. From there, it flowed to the Swiss pond.
Over time, Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque evolved. In the 1960s, engineer Paul Kerjean reshaped the landscape. He created the three collinear ponds we see today. This was between 1960 and 1965. Kerjean addressed flooding issues caused by urbanization. He used excavation materials from Paris to build dams. This vision transformed marshy areas into functional and beautiful ponds.
Étienne du Moulin à Renard gets its name from a mill. This mill belonged to a man named Régnard. Régnard later became Renard. Germain Braque, lord of Guyancourt in 1443, gave his name to Étang Braque. The Étangs de la Minière have names with diverse origins.
These ponds played a role in recreation. In the 1960s, Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque became a leisure spot. People sailed and swam here. Sadly, swimming and boating are now prohibited. This protects the local flora and fauna. Today, the paths around Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque are popular. Joggers and cyclists enjoy the trails.
The Bièvre River connects these ponds. It travels 32.8 kilometers before reaching the Seine in Paris. The source of the Bièvre is upstream from the ponds. It begins in the hamlet of Bouviers.
Even Pierre Curie found inspiration here. In his youth, he often walked in La Minière forest. He said he would return with twenty ideas in his head.
The Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque demonstrate nature’s beauty. They also show how human intervention can reshape a landscape. Once a recreation hub, the area now prioritizes ecological preservation. So enjoy the peace and quiet of Étang du Moulin à Renard and Étang Braque.