Discover the secrets of Essonne's watercress through guided tours of Villa Paul, the local watercress farm (91).

In the verdant valleys of southern Essonne (91), an unexpected scene lures the curious: long basins crisscrossed by crystal-clear water where thrives one of the most emblematic vegetables of the territoire francilien, the cresson de fontaine. In Méréville, hailed as the French capital of cresson, this traditional cultivation has been part of the landscape for more than a century.

Among the producers who keep this unique know-how alive, the cressonnière Villa Paul regularly opens its doors to the public for visits that are as immersive as they are educational. Between basins fed by natural springs and bucolic landscapes, the place feels like a secret garden tucked away in the heart of the campagne essonnienne.

Founded in 1897 by Paul Barberot, the estate is now carried forward by the fifth generation of the family, who continue to cultivate the famed 'green gold' of Méréville with the same age-old techniques. Here, the harvest is still done by hand, with feet in the water, using only a simple knife and rubber boots. A traditional method that fascinates both children and adults alike.

As the tour unfolds, visitors discover the secrets of watercress, a plant renowned since antiquity for its exceptional nutritional qualities. Rich in vitamins and iron, watercress is today used as much in fine dining as in more straightforward family recipes.

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The Villa Paul offers fresh watercress, of course, but also a complete range of derivative products that often surprise visitors, from veloutés and mousselines to watercress pesto, and even a remarkable watercress wine, a local specialty that has become something of a regional cult.

A peaceful visit and off the beaten path just 1 hour from Paris, and a original outing to rediscover Essonne in a different light!

The Paris region through its terroir : Discover the culinary specialties of Île-de-France
You think you know the Paris region like the back of your hand, but how well do you know its terroir? Don't delay in discovering the culinary specialties of Île-de-France! [Read more]