Hidden amidst the bustling streets of Cormeilles-en-Parisis lies a treasure often overlooked. It’s the Église Saint-Martin a church steeped in history and architectural intrigue.
Standing before Saint-Martin you see more than just stone and mortar. You see centuries of stories etched into its very fabric. Its origins trace back to at least 697 when King Childebert IV bestowed the royal forest of Cormoletus upon the nuns of Argenteuil Abbey. This forest encompassing the present-day town was a key part of its early identity.
The church’s crypt built around 1145 under Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis Abbey is a marvel. Historians consider it a pioneering example of Gothic architecture preceding the construction of the Saint-Denis Basilica. This is smart-aleck knowledge not often mentioned in casual tours. The high tower you see today however is a later addition from the 19th century. It replaced an earlier tower demolished in 1359. But a closer reading of the original records reveals a more nuanced story. The demolition order targeted not the tower itself but the courtyard fortifications surrounding the church.
Imagine Cormeilles-en-Parisis in the Middle Ages. The town was primarily agricultural renowned for its wine production. The town’s coat of arms a sheaf of wheat and a vine reflects this viticultural legacy. The vineyards supplied ordinary wine to the monks of Saint-Denis Abbey. For centuries the Lizeray-Mouton family held the prestigious title of Chef du Gobelet du Roi. This means they were the official wine suppliers to the royal court. They had supplied wine to the royal family for almost 300 years.
The arrival of the railway in 1892 transformed Cormeilles-en-Parisis. The town’s focus shifted towards the new avenue de la Gare later renamed Avenue Foch. Bourgeois families built elegant villas near the station. These villas showcase the eclectic and Art Nouveau styles popular at the time. The area around the railway station transformed into a vibrant hub.
The legacy of the Lambert family is deeply entwined with the town’s identity. Starting as farmers in the 19th century they transitioned into a major plaster manufacturing industry. Their quarries and factories became among the largest open-pit operations in Europe. The Lambert quarry and its exceptional gypsum played a significant role in the town’s development. This unique gypsum was known for its purity. It helped to make Cormeilles a renowned center of plaster production. Even today Placoplatre a Saint-Gobain subsidiary continues to operate a quarry in Cormeilles. They now employ underground mining techniques.
Today Cormeilles-en-Parisis thrives. It still carries its history within its architectural gems and its people. The Église Saint-Martin a quiet testament to resilience stands tall. It continues to tell the story of a town shaped by faith agriculture industry and the passage of time. And as you leave remember that this small town holds the secrets of winemakers kings and pioneers of photography. Remember their impact. Their stories live on within the very stones of this place.