Étang de la Galiotte, Artificial pond in Carrières-sous-Poissy, France

The Étang de la Galiotte is an artificial pond in Carrières-sous-Poissy, within the Parc du Peuple de l'herbe. Its grey-blue water is bordered by low buildings with pitched roofs on the far shore, and a dense band of green trees rises behind them, while tall dry grasses and leafy plants grow in the foreground behind a low wooden fence.

The pond was created from a sand pit dug after the Second World War. In the 1980s, it was decided not to fill it in, and later it was redesigned before the park opened.

The name Galiotte comes from a type of boat that once carried passengers on the Seine between Carrières-sous-Poissy and Rolleboise. Today, the floating cabins on the south shore give the pond a special character, and some owners enjoy chatting with curious walkers.

The pond is part of a larger park with paths that let you walk around and enjoy the water from different angles. Keep to the marked trails and respect the natural surroundings, as some areas may be fragile.

The floating cabins on the pond are said to have been introduced by a former worker who brought the idea from Canada. For decades, these cabins have been a distinctive feature of the area, and some are equipped with solar panels and rainwater collection systems.