Did a single fruit ever achieve such notoriety? It’s a question that hangs in the air here in Chaumontel. You might be surprised to learn that this charming commune, nestled in the Val-d’Oise department, was once renowned for a pear. Not just any pear, mind you, but the illustrious ‘Besi de Chaumontel’. This luscious, buttery fruit, born from a grafting experiment around 1750, took the world by storm. Its origins can be traced back to the grounds of the Château de Chaumontel, where it was first cultivated from a pear variety known as ‘Agathe Pain’. Imagine the scene back then: rows upon rows of these pear trees, heavy with fruit, their branches reaching towards the sky like arms offering up a sweet, juicy bounty. The Besi de Chaumontel became a sought-after delicacy. Its fame spread far and wide, even reaching the tables of England and the United States. Sadly, the pear’s reign was not to last. Today, it’s a rare find. Yet, the legacy of the Besi de Chaumontel lingers here in Chaumontel, a testament to the commune’s horticultural heritage and a reminder that even a simple fruit can leave an indelible mark on history.
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.