Visiting Viarmes
While the neighboring town of Chantilly often takes the spotlight for its chateau and fine art collection, Viarmes, located in the northern Val-d'Oise department of Ile-de-France, holds its own. The town gets its name from the Latin phrase Via Armorum, a nod to its history as a stop on the road from Lutèce (ancient Paris) to the camp of Julius Caesar in Gaul. Its later development was tied directly to Royaumont Abbey. In the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste Elie Camus de Pontcarré, a high-ranking official in Paris, decided to build a chateau here on the ruins of a former fortress.
A town defined by water
It is not immediately obvious, but Viarmes owes much of its history to a 13th-century water supply network built by the Cistercian monks of Royaumont Abbey. The Fontaine aux Moines is one of the structures protecting a watershed that was part of this hydraulic system. Today, you can still find four public fountains dating back to around 1860 that remain in use, along with four historic wash houses.
The city's long history led to the opening of the Viarmes History Museum in 1984. It features recreations of traditional scenes, including a classroom, a shoemaker's workshop, period bedrooms, and a cafe-grocery store. The museum even incorporates sound clips and sensory exhibits to help visitors experience the past through all five senses.
The Chateau of Viarmes
The Chateau of Viarmes, which currently houses the town museum and City Hall, was built in 1758 using the light-colored cut stone typical of the region. The main entrance is particularly striking, featuring a projecting pediment and four Doric columns. The Eglise Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul dates back to the early 12th century, though it has been expanded several times over the years. The more recent nave is a great example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture.
Viarmes is close to plenty of natural spaces, including the forêt domaniale de Carnelle, making it a solid choice if you are looking to escape the city near Paris. While hiking through the woods, keep an eye out for the Pierre Turquaise, a prehistoric megalith. The forest also contains several ponds where fishing is permitted.
When to visit
Viarmes is best experienced during the warmer months, especially in summer when many locals leave the Paris region for vacation. May, June, September, and October are also excellent times to walk through town.
How to get there
From Gare du Nord in Paris, take the Transilien H line, which reaches the town in about 40 minutes. If you are driving, you can reach Viarmes via the N104, A16, or N31 roads.
