Wondering what hides in this old village? It’s Gometz-le-Châtel a place steeped in history and charm. This village sits on the slopes between the agricultural plain of Hurepoix and the Vaularon and Yvette valleys. Gometz-le-Châtel offers visitors a rich architectural and natural heritage.
Gometz-le-Châtel’s history ties closely to the history of Ile de France and the kingdom of France. The castle on the feudal mound dominates the cemetery and church. It was part of the old strongholds surrounding Paris. The origin of its name remains unknown. It is still the subject of multiple hypotheses today.
In 1118, Hughes de Crecy, lord of Gometz, murdered his cousin Milon de Montlhéry. King Louis VI ordered the attack on the castle of Gometz.
Gometz later suffered the atrocities of the wars of religion. It was probably occupied by the Spanish. Gometz-le-Châtel became a rural town. Its economy was marked by market gardening and the exploitation of quarries, especially sandstone. In the 20th century, the construction of the Paris-Chartres railway left its mark. The viaduct of the Fauvettes is a testament to this time.
The old village was once surrounded by ramparts. It forms a remarkable architectural ensemble. The heart of the old feudal town has kept its plot pattern. It has old houses, buttresses of the feudal mound, and boundary markers. Also noteworthy is its pond, formerly used for laundry and watering animals.
The Saint-Clair church was built of sandstone and millstone. Construction began in the 11th century. It is a listed historical monument. It is located on a bend and overlooks the valley. Inside, you will find the reliquary containing a bone from Saint Clair’s skull. There are 17th-century baptismal fonts and contemporary stained-glass windows.
The house that housed the presbytery has been fully restored by a sculptor. It has taken the name “l’ortie rouge”.
Hidden in wooded hillsides is the viaduct of the Fauvettes. It was built in 1912 on the old Paris-Chartres railway line. Today, it is a place for recreation, walks, and climbing. The GR de Pays du Hurepoix and the Véloscénie cross the town.
Gometz-le-Châtel is a village of 2,752 inhabitants. It is located 20 km southwest of Paris. Gometz-le-Châtel is associated with the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse.
Charles Péguy, the French author, lived here for a time. He even mentioned Gometz-le-Châtel in his poem “Présentation de la Beauce à Notre-Dame de Chartres”.
The woods to the south and north of the village have been identified as sensitive natural areas. The town is also crossed by the Vaularon. Its highest temperature recorded was 42.8 °C on 25 July 2019.
Gometz-le-Châtel offers a blend of history, nature, and architectural beauty. This makes it a unique destination. Take a stroll through the village. Explore its rich heritage and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.