Once, this very spot was the heart of a farmer’s livelihood. We are standing before the Grange aux Dîmes. It’s a building that has stood for centuries. Imagine peasants bringing their harvests here. They paid their taxes to the clergy with it. This tax was called the dîme. It was one-tenth of their crops. The Grange aux Dîmes served as a collection point. It stored these payments.
Let’s step back in time to the 13th century. This building was part of a large farm. It belonged to the Bishop of Paris. The Grange aux Dîmes was crucial for collecting taxes. These taxes helped fund the church. Some even went towards the construction of Notre Dame de Paris.
Picture the vast farmlands surrounding us. In the 16th century, this farm spanned 92 hectares. It was one of the largest in the country. The Grange aux Dîmes played a vital role in this agricultural operation. It continued to do so until the French Revolution.
Notice the architecture of the Grange aux Dîmes. The facade has three entrances. A large buttress supports the structure. Some say a tunnel connects it to the nearby Saint-Denis church.
Now, look at the main entrance. It features a tall Gothic arch. Swallows often nest here. Inside, the Grange aux Dîmes has a vast interior. It reaches almost twelve meters in height. The timber framework consists of eight pillars. These pillars are from two-hundred-year-old Morvan trees.
Note the large chimney in the center. The flooring are not original. They were added during a renovation in 1991. This renovation transformed the Grange aux Dîmes. The right side of the building now houses a kitchen.
The courtyard’s paving was redone in 2003. Workers reused the original paving stones. The Grange aux Dîmes has changed over the years. It once stored taxes. Today, it welcomes diners. Since 1991, it has been a renowned restaurant.
In 2017, the Grange aux Dîmes even served as a set. It featured in the TV show “L’amour est dans le pré”. The Grange aux Dîmes continues to evolve. It retains its historical charm. It offers a unique dining experience. It has earned three “papilles” at the Papilles d’Or competition.
As you savor the ambiance, remember its past. The Grange aux Dîmes stands as a reminder of Wissous’ rich history. It was once a place of labor and tax collection. Now, it is a place of culinary delight and relaxation. The Grange aux Dîmes embodies the passage of time.