Gambais is a commune in the Yvelines department, in the Île-de-France region, a few kilometers east of Houdan.
Its territory of 23 km² corresponds to the northwest edge of the Rambouillet forest. Crossed by the course of the Vesgre, a tributary of the Eure, it has remained rural and green in appearance, covered with arable land (38% of its surface area), meadows (12%) but also forests (38%).).
Already occupied during Antiquity (Gallo-Roman remains have been unearthed), the locality was appreciated in the Middle Ages for its hunting estates: Robert the Pious frequented them in the 10th century then Gambais was given to the counts of Montfort. Integrated for a time into the Duchy of Brittany, the fief affected during the Wars of Religion returned to the Kingdom of France in the 16th century and then belonged to the Marquis de Labriffe in the 19th century.
The village then became unwittingly famous since the criminal Landru resided there and murdered seven of his eleven victims from 1915 to 1919…
Today, the town has nearly 2,500 inhabitants. We appreciate a heritage of interest and of course a leisure offer linked to the rich forest of Rambouillet...
Several heritage sites deserve attention in the locality. A discovery tour can begin with the Saint-Aignan church. It is mentioned from the end of the 10th century, built on the orders of King Robert the Pious in 996 in a pre-Romanesque style. The building was burned down during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in 1556, but with the exception of the choir and the bell tower, the church collapsed in 1620. Nowadays, it houses several works (statues) and pieces of furniture. (stool, procession stick) classified as objects, itself listed in the Inventory, the church whose bell tower was raised several times and whose square tower served as a watchtower has retained an imposing and its wooden barrel-vaulted nave is remarkable.
Next to see to the south of the village, the Neuville castle, which was built in the 16th century in a Renaissance style for Lord Joachim de Bellengreville, also Grand Provost of France. In the middle of the 18th century, the whole was remodeled in a neoclassical style, consisting of a central body with a pediment and two symmetrical wings. The vast estate, listed in the Inventory, also includes a 17th century farm. Well maintained, the castle and its exteriors are still private, belonging to the same family since the 18th century. Receptions and filming are hosted there. Information on +33 6 42 30 18 15. Although walled, the area can be used for a walk.
Note also that two old mills on the course of the Vesgre have been restored and transformed into homes. Furthermore, at the corner of the aptly named rue des Gabelles and the RD 179, the former 18th century salt granary has become a plush residence in neo-classical style.
As for cultural leisure, in addition to the activities offered by the library (contact on +33 1 34 87 08 34), in the north-east of the territory, an artistic creation space has recently been established within a former retirement home, on the edge of the forest. Called "the Place", it offers artist residencies, shows and exhibitions open to professionals and the general public. Information on +33 6 13 28 63 75.
For sports enthusiasts, the dynamic local USMG club offers the practice of several disciplines and has tennis courts. Contact +33 1 34 87 17 31.
Hikers are obviously welcome, who can reach the Rambouillet forest from Enough to enjoy areas planted with deciduous or coniferous trees and rich in preserved biodiversity. Maps and information on +33 1 30 59 53 86. It is also useful to find out about activities (hikes, exhibitions, workshops, etc.) scheduled throughout the year by the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, including the commune is a member. Contact +33 1 30 52 09 09.
