Cernay-la-Ville

Could a humble village just outside of Paris become a haven for artists? Cernay-la-Ville, a charming village nestled in the Vallée de Chevreuse, did just that. You might be surprised to know that Cernay-la-Ville’s history dates back to 768. A charter from Pepin the Short mentions it as a gift to the Abbey of Saint-Denis. However, Cernay-la-Ville as we know it began to take shape a few centuries later. It started as a collection of farm buildings belonging to the Abbey of Vaux de Cernay, a Cistercian order established in 1128. Now, let’s fast forward a couple of centuries to the 19th century when Cernay-la-Ville experienced a revival. The demand for paving stones in Paris led to the opening of three quarries in the village. These quarries provided millstones and sandstone, attracting workers and causing the population to surge. By 1896, the population had swelled to 803, a significant leap from just 205 inhabitants in the 18th century. This period also marked Cernay-la-Ville’s transformation into a popular destination for leisurely Sunday outings. Among the visitors drawn to the picturesque scenery were landscape painters. Artists like Achard, Français, Champin, Lansyer, and Pelouse found inspiration in the beauty of the village and its surrounding valley. They formed what came to be known as the “Cernay School”, capturing its unique charm on canvases that now grace museums and private collections globally.