“How did this sleepy village get its name?” Picture yourself transported to Choisel. This French commune resides in the Yvelines department. It sits snugly in the Île-de-France region. Choisel. Its history is as charming as its location.
Choisel’s name has evolved over centuries. It was first recorded as “Soyscium” in the 13th century. It then transformed through “Soisellum” and “Soiseium.” “Casellum” and “Soisey” also marked its identity. By 1225, it was known as “Soisei.”
The name Choisel, initially written “Soisè”, holds debated origins. Some believe it stems from the Latin “sosius.” This term might have described the buckets attached to mill wheels. Others suggest it derives from “caucellus.” This low-Latin word refers to a type of vase or the buckets on water wheels. These wheels powered numerous mills in the area.
Choisel finds itself in the southeast of Yvelines. It rests within the Chevreuse Valley. The commune is near the Essonne border. Versailles is about 20 km northeast. Rambouillet lies 15 km to the northeast. This small rural commune falls within the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park. It is home to the Château de Breteuil.
Several hamlets dot the landscape around Choisel. La Ferté, Herbouvilliers, and Le Buisson add to its charm. Isolated habitats like Le Bel Air and Predecelles complete the rural scene.
The stream of Écosse-Bouton irrigates Choisel. It is a tributary of the Yvette. The stream originates in the center of the communal territory. It flows north-eastward. It runs through an enclosed valley. It joins the Yvette in Chevreuse. The stream of Herbouvilliers joins it on its right bank in the village of Choisel.
The commune is served by the D 906 departmental road. This road links Rambouillet to the Chevreuse valley and Paris. While there is no train station within Choisel, the RER station of Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse is only 5 km away. Buses also serve the commune. Lines 39.303 and 39.35A connect it to the Centre and Sud Yvelines network.
Choisel offers a preserved living environment. The commune includes three main hamlets: the Centre Bourg, Herbouvilliers, and la Ferté. Bridging the Hurepoix plateau and the Chevreuse valley. Choisel showcases varied landscapes. These range from agricultural plains to forests and the heart of the rural village.
Not far from Paris, Choisel allows residents to “live in the countryside and work in the city”. The commune has around 570 inhabitants. Its population is slightly younger than the national average.
Choisel boasts a rich heritage. The Château de Breteuil stands out. It welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is worth seeing. The Fontaine Saint-Paul and the wash house are also notable.
Many famous people have called Choisel home. Actress Ingrid Bergman lived here. Writer Michel Tournier resided in Choisel. Former Prime Minister Michel Rocard also made his home here.
As you explore Choisel, remember its layered past. From its evolving name to its notable residents. This village encapsulates French rural charm. Choisel invites you to discover its beauty and tranquility.