Best attractions and places to see around Maulette include historical landmarks and natural features within the Yvelines department of France. The commune is situated at the confluence of the Vesgre and Opton rivers, offering a blend of historical sites and riverine landscapes. Notable structures like the Maulette Castle and the Old Chapel contribute to the area's heritage. The region provides access to various points of interest, including nearby towns with significant historical and cultural sites.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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Built at the end of the 12th century by the Counts of Montfort and listed as a Historic Monument since 1889, the Houdan Tower was used to watch for enemies and defend the territory. The Keep consists of a 15 m diameter and 21 m high tower, flanked by four turrets of the same height located at the four cardinal points. From the 16th century until the French Revolution, the Keep served as a prison, and executions took place at the foot of the Tower. The first water reservoir was installed in the tower in 1880. The second, built in 1952, is still visible. Tours are available on certain days.
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very nice hike in the woods with some stone bridges to discover
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Head to Pont de Gambaiseuil on Route du Bocquet and discover this rugged trail near Gambaiseuil offering a mix of forest trails and technical sections that will test your skills. As you cross the bridge, take the time to appreciate the serenity of the surrounding woods and the gentle flow of the river below. It’s the perfect spot for a quick break before diving back into the dense forest trails that make this hike so rewarding.
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Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul The construction of the church is said to have been initiated by Don Roger, abbot of the very powerful Benedictine abbey of Coulombs from 1115 to 1174. At that time, the abbey stood near Nogent-le-Roi, a former fortified town located twelve kilometers away on the banks of the Eure. Spread over more than 80 parishes, it had a considerable influence in the region until the Revolution, whether from a religious, economic or social point of view. The Romanesque style that it had adopted since its original construction was reworked in the 16th century by the opening of tall Gothic windows around the choir. Finally, in the following century, during the Wars of Religion, the church suffered serious damage. When peace returned, the entrance porch was finally rebuilt in the elegant Renaissance style. In 1950, a fire destroyed the church and all its furniture; it was restored at the end of the 20th century.
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Bridge with a very beautiful beech next to it
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Monument dating from the end of the 12th century
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Here at 36 rue de l'église, an old house different from the neighboring buildings. This is the "Tric" villa acquired in 1915 by Henri Désiré Landru to commit his macabre crimes. Within these walls, 7 women were murdered between 1915 and 1919 among the 11 officially recorded victims. The choice of the Gambais villa was motivated by its isolation, as it was 300 m from the nearest house (this is obviously no longer the case now), and by its outbuildings and the basement. Here were found supposedly human remains in a heap of ashes discovered in a shed, in the fireplace, and in the stove; one will also find clasps, pins, pieces of corset, partly burnt buttons. In all, the police found 4.176 kg of charred bone debris, including 1.5 kg undoubtedly coming from human bodies, as well as 47 teeth or tooth fragments. The medical examiner will announce to the press that these bones correspond to three heads, five feet and six hands. Having become a famous place on the occasion of the resounding trial, Villa Tric de Gambais was looted by the crowd, then sold to a restorer who renamed it "Au Grillon du Foyer" and converted part of the building into a museum. It even seems that the "Landru" rib steak was served there, grilled over a wood fire... The restaurant closed its doors in 1940 and the house was then sold to private individuals. The famous villa also gave rise to a series of postcards. Somewhat forgotten after several decades, the house came back into the news in 2018 when it was put up for sale with an announcement very discreetly stating "very beautiful house steeped in history"... The cook of the villa after a succession of transactions ended up being bought by Laurent Ruquier. Passionate about the character, he wrote a play on the subject, in 2005, with Régis Laspalès in the main role. No sign, no sign comes to announce the history of this house which undoubtedly wishes to fall back into oblivion.
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Maulette and its vicinity offer several historical landmarks. You can visit the Maulette Castle (Château-Manoir), built around 1595, which features a distinctive architectural style of alternating stone and brick. The Old Chapel, linked to a former feudal castle, has been recognized as Heritage of Regional Interest. Additionally, the Donjon of Houdan, a 12th-century tower, is a significant historical site nearby.
Yes, Maulette is situated at the confluence of the Vesgre and Opton rivers, offering riverine landscapes. The Vesgre River itself provides opportunities to enjoy nature along its banks. For a scenic walk, consider the area around Pont de Gambaiseuil, which offers forest paths and views of the surrounding woods and river.
The Saint-Pierre Church in Maulette is a notable cultural site, housing a 17th-century painted wooden tabernacle as part of its altarpiece. Another unique cultural point of interest is La ferme du Bois l'Epicier, a former farm building that now serves as a hub for antique dealers and second-hand traders, also featuring a bistro.
The region around Maulette is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and running. For instance, there are challenging gravel biking routes like the "Route des Deux Chateaux – Hollande Pond loop" and moderate road cycling options such as the "Vilpert Ponds – Croix de Vilpert Monument loop." You can explore these and more on the Road Cycling Routes around Maulette or Gravel biking around Maulette guide pages.
Beyond the Maulette Castle, you can discover Château de Tilly, a beautiful Louis XIII-style residence flanked by two towers, set within a six-hectare park. While it is a private estate, its architecture and historical significance make it a notable sight. Further afield, the famous Château de Rambouillet is approximately 23 km away, and the grand Palace of Versailles is about 38 km from Maulette.
For families, exploring the natural surroundings like the Forêt de Rambouillet offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. The Espace Rambouillet, a 250-hectare nature reserve, features a bird of prey sanctuary and a deer park, which can be a captivating experience for all ages. The medieval heritage of nearby Houdan, including its impressive keep, can also be an engaging visit for older children.
The region around Maulette, like much of the Yvelines department, is pleasant to visit during spring, summer, and early autumn (April to October) when the weather is generally mild and conducive to outdoor activities and exploring historical sites. The natural features, such as the Vesgre River and surrounding forests, are particularly beautiful during these seasons.
One unique and somewhat macabre 'hidden gem' is the Villa Landru in Gambais. This old house, located at 36 rue de l'église, gained notoriety as the site where Henri Désiré Landru committed his crimes between 1915 and 1919. While no official signs mark its history, it remains a place of dark historical interest for those intrigued by true crime. It's a private residence now, so viewing is from the exterior only.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The Pont de Gambaiseuil is noted for its beautiful beech trees and serene forest trails, perfect for a break during a hike. The historical significance of sites like the Donjon of Houdan, with its medieval past, also captivates many.
Yes, there are running trails that start directly from Maulette. For example, you can find a challenging 17.5 km running loop that takes you towards the Donjon of Houdan. Another difficult running route, the "Mare Saint-Côme loop," also begins from Maulette. You can discover more options on the Running Trails around Maulette guide page.
Maulette's location provides easy access to several historically and culturally rich towns. Houdan, bordering Maulette, is known for its medieval heritage, including its impressive 13th-century keep. Rambouillet, about 23 km away, offers its famous château and vast forest. Further out, Poissy is historically significant as the birthplace of Saint Louis, and Chartres, about 40 km away, boasts its renowned 13th-century cathedral.


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