How about stepping back in time to Yerres a village with roots stretching back to 650 AD? Yet, Yerres truly began to flourish with the construction of the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Yerres between 1120 and 1132. Imagine this village as it slowly grew around this central religious hub.
For centuries, Yerres remained a small village. Its residents were primarily farmers and artisans. They cultivated the land on the plateau. They also tended to marshy meadows and sprawling vineyards.
Let’s talk about names. Over time, Yerres has been called by various names. It was once known as Hierra. Other names included Erra and Irrya. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the name Yerres became the standard. The name is believed to come from the Latin word “hedera”. Hedera is the word for ivy.
Now, let’s discuss some historical landmarks in Yerres. First is the Maison Caillebotte. It is a key site on the Impressionist Route in the Île-de-France region. Gustave Caillebotte and his family lived here between 1860 and 1879. This estate highlights the painter’s life. It also shows his major source of inspiration. The Maison Caillebotte is part of the “Destination Impressionism” network. It is one of the most famous sites in Yerres. In 2021, Maison Caillebotte was voted the favorite monument of the French in the Île-de-France region.
The Maison Caillebotte includes a house known as “Casin”. It is listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments. The Maison Caillebotte offers a unique glimpse into life under the Empire and the Restoration. It has been refurnished thanks to donations from the Friends of the Caillebotte Property and collections from the Mobilier National.
The grand park spans 11 hectares. It is filled with remarkable trees. Visitors can explore ornamental structures. They can see the setting that inspired the young Gustave Caillebotte. He created 80 paintings here. The park and its outbuildings are open for visits.
The Orangerie is now a space for temporary exhibitions. The Ferme Ornée has been transformed into an art center and museum. The Potager is cultivated by volunteers from the “Potager Caillebotte” association. The Chalet Suisse now houses the restaurant and tea room “l’Orée du Parc”. Other features include a Japanese covered bench and a Norman thatched cottage. The cottage is still used for tool storage. The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Lierre is consecrated.
The Kiosk and the Glacière are also notable. The oriental kiosk serves as a belvedere. It offers views of the landscape. The Glacière is 7 meters deep. It was used to store ice and preserve food.
Next is the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Yerres. Constructed in 1132, it marks an important beginning for the village. It depended on the Saint-Germain-des-Prés abbey. Notable remains date back to the 16th century. The abbey is under the patronage of Saint Benedict. He was a hermit born in Italy in 481.
Significant features of the Abbaye include the oak frame in the dormitory building. The refectory door also dates to the 16th century. In the 19th century, the Abbaye became an important industrial site. It housed a wool spinning mill in 1839. Manufacturing continued here until World War II. From 1965 to 1967, G.E.E.P. Industries occupied the site. Engineering offices were located in the Abbaye. The engineers worked in the old mill. In 2009, the site was restored to house offices and apartments. The Abbaye is listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments since 1996.
Finally, there is the Château Seigneurial or Château des Budé. The vestiges visible today date from the 12th, 13th, and 15th centuries. Guillaume Donjon, the first known lord, is mentioned in archives from 1100. In 1328, the seigneury passed to the Courtenay family. Their line died out in 1428. Then, it was sold to Dreux Budé in 1452. The château remained in this family until 1628. After a series of sales, it gradually fell into ruins. Major work was undertaken in 1782. The Hamelin family acquired it in 1857. They kept the site until 2000. In 2015, the château was bequeathed to the Pompidou Foundation. Between 2018 and 2022, the Château was completely renovated. It now contains private apartments. The adjacent park, owned by the City, has also been redesigned. It now serves as a public promenade.
As we conclude our walk, remember that Yerres is more than just a suburb of Paris. It’s a place where history echoes. It has architecture and art blending together seamlessly. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of time. Yerres offers a unique journey through French history and culture.