Have you ever walked through a landscape shaped by centuries of cultivation? Welcome to the Plateau Briard a region southeast of Paris. For generations the land was dedicated to viticulture. The rich soil produced grapes for wine. Then in the late 18th century a shift occurred. Horticulture particularly rose cultivation took center stage. The Plateau Briard became renowned for its roses. Many Parisian markets were supplied by the skilled cultivators of this area.
The legacy of this agricultural history is visible throughout the Plateau Briard. Rosebrie and Roseval two prominent domains near Mandres-les-Roses continue the tradition. They perpetuate the expertise of past growers. You can almost smell the perfume of roses as you walk the 8 kilometer agricultural interpretation trail.
This trail winds through the area. Seventeen informative panels mark its route. The trail takes you past the horticultural estates and the Saint Leu estate. Saint Leu is an agritourism complex. It carries on the tradition of market gardening. Vegetables are grown year round. A unique aspect of the trail is its passage along an old railway line. This line once linked the Bastille to Verneuil-l’Etang. The trail leads you to the former Mandres train station. This building dating back to 1875 now houses a traditional educational farm.
The Plateau Briard is more than just farmland. The villages have unique layouts. Homes are clustered around large rectangular courtyards. In Mandres-les-Roses you find 25 such courtyards along Rue du Général Leclerc and Rue de Brie. These shared spaces are private yet connect neighbors.
Briard farms have a distinctive architectural style. Buildings surround a large courtyard. A gate topped by a porch closes off the courtyard. The stone barns with their long sloping roofs allowed for easy unloading of carts. Most of the dovecotes are circular. You can observe this vernacular heritage across the Plateau Briard.
The Ferme de Monsieur in Mandres houses the town hall since 1980. Its 15th-century dovecote renovated in the 17th century has been preserved. The name “Ferme de Monsieur” reflects its 18th-century owner a brother of King Louis XVI. The Ferme des Lyons in Santeny shows the traditional layout. Although now occupied by medical professionals it retains its original layout.
In Villecresnes you’ll find a rare square dovecote. It’s part of the former Cercay Chateau demolished in 1930. The Plateau Briard offers a blend of natural beauty and historical architecture. It is a tranquil escape not far from the energy of Paris. Its story continues to unfold. Its beauty waits to be explored by you.