Butry-sur-Oise

Can a village be born twice? Butry-sur-Oise, nestled along the River Oise, can answer that with a resounding “Yes!”. Our story begins not in some ancient age, but in 1948. Before then, Butry-sur-Oise existed as a mere hamlet, a sleepy appendage of Auvers-sur-Oise. The residents of Butry-sur-Oise yearned for independence. They held their own assemblies, elected their own syndics, and generally kept themselves apart from their Auvers neighbors. This distinct identity, forged over centuries, finally culminated in Butry-sur-Oise’s official birth as a commune. Imagine the excitement. Butry-sur-Oise was no longer a footnote in someone else’s story. It was writing its own. This new chapter wasn’t without its challenges. A newly formed commune needs the infrastructure to function. Butry-sur-Oise needed a town hall, schools, a church. They needed a post office and a place to gather. Through the 1950s, Butry-sur-Oise diligently built these essential structures, brick by brick, establishing itself as a true commune. The arrival of the railway in 1846 had already planted the seed of growth. The opening of Valmondois station in 1876, right within Butry-sur-Oise, further solidified its connection to the wider world, making it easily accessible from Paris. Butry-sur-Oise became a popular day trip destination for Parisians, drawn by the charming guinguettes and the tranquil waters of the Oise, perfect for leisurely boating. Even famous figures like Aristide Bruant and Robert de Flers were known to frequent Butry-sur-Oise’s riverside establishments. Perhaps they, too, felt the unique pull of this small village on the Oise. The electrification of the railway lines in 1969 and 1970 further boosted Butry-sur-Oise’s appeal. Residential areas sprang up. The commune transformed into a desirable place to live, a peaceful retreat just a short train ride from the bustling capital. Today, Butry-sur-Oise retains its charm. The Église du Cœur Immaculé de Marie, built in 1959, houses beautiful artwork. There’s the Musée des Tramways à Vapeur et des Chemins de Fer Secondaires Français (MTVS), a haven for railway enthusiasts. And as you walk along the banks of the Oise, you might even catch a glimpse of the historic Moulin-à-Vent, a vestige of Butry-sur-Oise’s Belle Époque heyday. Butry-sur-Oise, the youngest commune in Val-d’Oise, stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the vibrant spirit of a village reborn.