Could it be that even Caesar himself had a hand in shaping the destiny of Les Alluets-le-Roi? Imagine that! This quaint village we stand in traces its roots back to the Roman era. It all began with a “villa” – a prosperous agricultural estate whose owners enjoyed special privileges bestowed by none other than Caesar! This is actually where the name “Alluets” likely originates. You see, “alleu” meant “territory exempt from certain taxes” – quite a perk, wouldn’t you say? Fast forward to the 12th century. King Louis VI, locked in a power struggle with his neighbors the Dukes of Normandy, decided to fortify this strategic plateau. He built a powerful castle, sadly lost to the sands of time except for perhaps a few remnants in the form of ancient cellars. Around this bastion of royal power, the very first village emerged. They christened it Alleu-le-Roi, which means “King’s Fief”. But Les Alluets-le-Roi’s story doesn’t end there. This charming village was also renowned for its millstone quarries. These quarries supplied Paris with the stone it needed, even during Baron Haussmann’s grand redesign of the city. So, as you stroll through the heart of Les Alluets-le-Roi today, remember those millstones! They whisper tales of a past intertwined with Roman emperors, powerful kings, and the very bedrock of Paris itself.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.