Vaux-sur-Seine

Gazing across the Seine at Vaux-sur-Seine, a charming commune in the Île-de-France region, one might be reminded of Venice. Vaux-sur-Seine stretches over four kilometers along the river, nestled between the wooded Hautil massif and the Seine Valley. This unique location, along with its verdant island, earned it the nickname “Venice of Île-de-France”. Vaux-sur-Seine has a rich history, dating back to Paleolithic times. The village’s founding can be traced to around 250 AD, during the consulate of Decius and Gratus. The legend of Saint Nicaise tells of a fearsome serpent residing in a cave near a spring. The serpent’s presence poisoned the water, making it a source of illness. Saint Nicaise, accompanied by priest Quirin and deacon Scunicule, arrived to spread the Gospel. Quirin bravely confronted the serpent, binding it with his stole and bringing it before Saint Nicaise. Amazed, the villagers, numbering 318, converted and were baptized in the spring, now pure once more. This spring is now known as the Saint-Nicaise washhouse. Vaux-sur-Seine’s history is interwoven with powerful families. Originally held by the Counts of Meulan, it passed through marriage and inheritance to the La Roche-Guyon family. Legal disputes in the 14th century ultimately transferred ownership to Philippe de La Roche-Guyon. Later, the Vion family acquired Vaux-sur-Seine. Pierre de Vion, a squire from Burgundy, established himself in France after the death of Charles the Bold. His son, Louis de Vion, a knight and military captain, secured Vaux-sur-Seine in the late 15th century. Vaux-sur-Seine, once known as “Vaux de Jouste” until 1902, boasts a diverse heritage. The area was also influenced by the abbeys of Jumièges and Cernay. During the 17th century, it was held by the Count of Saint-Simon, a favorite of Louis XIII. By the French Revolution, it belonged to the Celestins of Limay. Gypsum mining played a significant role in Vaux-sur-Seine’s economy from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The industry ceased in 1980. A faience and porcelain factory operated in the late 18th century for about fifteen years. Its location is now known as “La Manufacture”. Vaux-sur-Seine offers a glimpse into the past with its architectural treasures. The Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens church, with its Romanesque portal and Gothic architecture, tells a story of centuries past. The Pavillon d’Artois and the Villa “La Martinière”, formerly the municipal library, are further testaments to its rich history. Even the Vaux-sur-Seine train station, with its inscription date of 1995, holds a certain historical charm. Today, Vaux-sur-Seine is a residential commune with approximately 5,143 inhabitants as of 2022. It is part of the Grand Paris Seine et Oise urban community and the national interest zone of Seine-Aval. As you stand here, looking at Vaux-sur-Seine, remember its layers of history, from ancient legends to industrial past, whispering through the streets and along the flowing Seine.