Fourqueux

Gazing upon Fourqueux, one can almost hear whispers of its rich history. Fourqueux, once a humble agricultural village, has blossomed into a vibrant international hub. Originally covered in ferns and thickets, the name “Fourqueux” itself is derived from “filcusas,” the Latin word for fern. In the 12th century, the land, then known as Fulcosium, belonged to Lord Barthélémy de Fulcosa. His family held the land until 1289, shaping the early days of Fourqueux. By the 16th century, the name evolved to its current form. Fourqueux boasts a remarkable church, Sainte-Croix. Classified as a historical monument in 1946, the church’s current structure dates back to the late 12th century. It was likely built on the site of Fourqueux’s very first church. Sainte-Croix stands as a testament to early Gothic architecture. Its name, meaning “Holy Cross,” is linked to Saint Louis and Blanche of Castile, who supported its reconstruction due to their reverence for the Holy Cross. Legend even whispers that Joan of Arc herself once prayed within these hallowed walls. In 1539, the church and its lands were sold to Pierre Séguier, president of the Parliament of Paris. Later, Pierre Séguier, grandson of the former owner and Keeper of the Seals for Cardinal Richelieu, gifted the domain to King Louis XIII in 1633. The king then bestowed it upon his physician, Charles Bouvard. The Bouvard family, known as the Bouvards of Fourqueux, retained ownership until the French Revolution. A chilling detail remains from their time: their coffins are preserved within the vaulted cellar of Sainte-Croix church. Another notable structure, the Villa Collin, sits on the site of the former Fourqueux chateau. Built in 1892 by architect Vaudremer for watchmaker Armand Collin, the villa boasts a distinctive turret and winter garden. Now listed as a historical monument, it beautifully showcases regionalist architecture. In 1836, Victor Hugo and his family rented a house on rue de Saint-Nom, owned by the Marret family. Hugo’s daughter Léopoldine received her communion in Sainte-Croix church, further intertwining the Hugo family with Fourqueux’s story. Famous figures like Alexandre Dumas visited Hugo during his stay. In 1918, the painter Henri Marret, a descendant of the Marrets, established his studio in the former Hugo residence. Several of his works are preserved in Fourqueux’s town hall and in Sainte-Croix church. In 2019, Fourqueux merged with Saint-Germain-en-Laye. However, its unique history continues to resonate, shaping the character of this now international village.