Étang de la Tour, Pond in Vieille-Église-en-Yvelines, France
The Étang de la Tour is a pond of about 17 hectares located south of the village of Vieille-Église-en-Yvelines, within the Rambouillet forest area in France. It is bordered by trees and fields, and can be reached via the Rue de l'Étang de la Tour.
The pond was created in the 17th century under Louis XIV to supply a water system feeding the fountains of Versailles. Its construction was overseen by Louvois, who also planned the underground aqueduct network connecting the pond to the palace.
The Étang de la Tour is well known among local anglers, who come regularly to fish along the western bank. A walk along the eastern dike also offers good views of herons, great crested grebes, and ducks moving across the water.
The path along the eastern dike is easy to walk and accessible for most visitors. The western bank trail is less developed, so wear appropriate footwear if you plan to explore that side.
The underground aqueduct linking this pond to the Versailles water network runs for about 660 meters at a depth of around 4 meters, and it is still in use today. Water still flows through the same route built in the 17th century.
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