Right here, in front of you stands the Mairie de Saint-Maurice. This building isn’t just a town hall, It’s a window into the heart of a community that has witnessed history unfold over centuries.
The heart of Saint-Maurice began beating in the 11th century. Back then, the commune was known as Charenton-Saint-Maurice. The name changed in 1843, and its historical significance has endured. This townhall has been a vital center for the community. It has overseen the construction of churches, schools, and even an asylum. The asylum is located in the southern part of the plateau and is known as Esquirol Hospital today. The hospital is still specialized in psychiatric medicine, and it housed several important figures, including the Marquis de Sade from 1803 until he passed away in 1814.
The town of Saint-Maurice has witnessed its share of growth and change. In the 20th Century, the once agricultural area was slowly developed into a modern town. However, Saint-Maurice has managed to preserve a slice of its past. The house where the famed painter Eugéne Delacroix was born is now a public library. A reminder that Saint-Maurice is more than a suburb of Paris. It is a complex of historical details and vibrant stories that intertwine. Saint-Maurice embodies the spirit of a town that, despite its proximity, has shaped its own distinct identity, one that continues to resonate in its charming architecture, and passionate community.