Imagine Julius Caesar marching his legions through this very area. Welcome to Soisy-sous-Montmorency a town with a history stretching back to Roman times.
This unassuming commune located just north of Paris holds secrets from centuries past. The Roman road that Caesar built linking Paris to Rouen once passed right through here. It connected Saint-Denis and Pontoise. This strategic location shaped Soisy’s early development. The first settlements clustered on the fertile slopes of Montmorency hill. They avoided the disease-ridden marshes below.
Even today you can see the impact of that early settlement. Soisy sits in the lower town while Montmorency perches on the higher hill. The Romans weren’t the only ones to leave their mark. The Montmorency forest played a vital role in the region’s subsistence. Cistercian monks cultivated chestnut trees providing sustenance for the neighboring vineyards during the Middle Ages.
Today a walk through the forest offers an immersive experience with the sounds of nature. Birdsong and rustling leaves fill the air. A guided “Natural Stories” walk reveals the local fauna and flora. While we are in Soisy-sous-Montmorency you may want to explore some of the nearby towns.
Just a short distance away sits Montmorency. It boasts the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin. Construction began in 1515. The church reflects the history of the powerful Montmorency family. Its Renaissance stained-glass windows depict members of this influential dynasty. For a breathtaking view of Paris climb the 152 steps to the top of the bell tower.
Another notable figure Jean-Jacques Rousseau found refuge in Soisy in 1756. In a modest three-room house he penned some of his most important works. The house is now a museum. It allows visitors to step into Rousseau’s world. On certain Sundays you can even enjoy tea in the garden’s tea room.
Take a stroll through Montmorency’s historic streets with a tablet from the tourist office. The “Jardins de l’Observance” offers stunning views of the Collegiate Church and Paris. Montmorency was once famous for its sour cherry orchards. You can still find traces of this fruitful past as you explore. Several thematic routes wind through the area. They provide enriching walking experiences.
Soisy-sous-Montmorency is accessible from Gare du Nord via line H. Get off at the Champ de Courses d’Enghien stop. Alternatively take line J from Gare Saint-Lazare and transfer to a bus at Ermont-Eaubonne. Before we move on it’s worth noting some famous figures connected to this town. Aristide Briand a renowned statesman once called Soisy-sous-Montmorency home. The town has also produced talented musicians. Ida Presti a classical guitarist and composer lived here as did Georges Delerue another composer. Even today Soisy-sous-Montmorency continues to nurture talent. Chef Emmanuel Renaut and cyclist Christophe Agnolutto were born here.
From Roman roads to philosophical retreats Soisy-sous-Montmorency offers a glimpse into France’s rich past. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history that have shaped this charming commune.