Marcoussis

Hidden within the rolling hills south of Paris, lies Marcoussis, a town steeped in history and sporting prowess. Marcoussis may seem like a quiet, unassuming town today. But its story echoes with the triumphs of French rugby and whispers of ancient monastic life. Marcoussis is home to the Centre National de Rugby (CNR), the training ground of the French national rugby union team. Here, amidst state-of-the-art facilities, the future of French rugby is forged. The very ground beneath your feet has vibrated with the energy of some of France’s most celebrated athletes. Before the roar of the stadium crowds, their skills are honed right here in Marcoussis. But Marcoussis’s history stretches back far beyond the modern game. Long before rugby became a national passion, monks from the Abbey of Saint-Wandrille cultivated these lands. A charter from 854, signed by Charles the Bald himself, mentions Marcoussis, marking its place in the annals of French history. The village grew around the Priory of Wandrille Saint, a testament to the enduring power of faith. Centuries later, Jean de Montagu, Minister of Finance to Charles VI, left his indelible mark on Marcoussis. He constructed a castle, a testament to his power and influence, of which only the base and a single tower remain today, known as the Oubliettes. He also founded the Convent of Célestins and rebuilt the village church. Inside the church, you can admire a magnificent marble statue of the Virgin Mary, a gift from the Duke of Berry to the Célestins in 1408. In the 20th century, Marcoussis transitioned from a market village known for its tomatoes and strawberries to a hub of technological innovation, with the establishment of Alcatel research laboratories. More recently, Marcoussis played a role in international diplomacy. The Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, a crucial step towards resolving the Ivorian Civil War, was signed here at the CNR in 2003. Even the world of cycling has felt the presence of Marcoussis. In 2007, the town hosted the start of the final stage of the Tour de France, a thrilling spectacle that brought the world’s cycling elite to its streets. So, as you stand in Marcoussis, remember that you are treading on ground rich with history. From ancient monks to sporting giants, from royal ministers to international peacemakers, Marcoussis has witnessed it all.