Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon

Could a town’s name be a clue to its past? Here in Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon, the answer is a resounding yes. Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon, a charming commune southwest of Paris, derives its name from the Latin “buxiacum” or “buxetum.” This signifies a place abundant with boxwood, hinting at a landscape once dotted with these evergreen shrubs. Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon sits nestled in the Île-de-France region, 35 kilometers from the heart of Paris. The town’s history stretches back to the 11th century. Its strategic location along the Paris-Orléans route made it a coveted prize. This led to turbulent times, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries when wars and ransacking were common. In 1359, the English besieged Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon. They even went so far as to mine the church where villagers sought refuge, demanding a ransom of 3,000 sheep. The turmoil continued with the religious wars bringing further devastation. A glimmer of hope arrived in the 17th century when Guillaume de Lamoignon acquired the domain. He established a weekly market and two annual fairs, breathing life back into the community. Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon then enjoyed a period of prosperity throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, as evidenced by the grand hotels built during that time. A more recent, poignant chapter of Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon’s history unfolded during World War II. A Canadian bomber, struck by German anti-aircraft fire, crashed near the town on July 5, 1944. The seven Canadian airmen perished. They are now buried in the Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon cemetery, a solemn reminder of the town’s role in the war. Today, Boissy-sous-Saint-Yon retains its agricultural heritage while embracing its charm as a place of leisure. If you stroll through the town, you’ll find remnants of this rich past. The church of Saint-Thomas-Becket and the 16th-century Domaine des Tourelles stand as testaments to its resilience and enduring spirit.