Could a town once known for its sweet strawberries become famous for something… explosive? Right here in Courtry, that’s exactly what happened. You see, Courtry, nestled in the Île-de-France region, was once a peaceful haven of vineyards, orchards, and those famous strawberries. Imagine, back in the 16th century, Courtry strawberries were so prized they were shipped all over France and even abroad! Sadly, that era faded, but Courtry’s story took an unexpected turn in the mid-20th century. The rolling vineyard-covered hills you might have once seen were transformed into a military fortress, the Fort de Vaujours. Then, in 1955, the fort became a hub of Cold War research for the French Atomic Energy Commission. For over 40 years, they conducted experiments here, adding a whole new chapter to Courtry’s peaceful agricultural history. Although the fort closed in 1997, Courtry isn’t stuck in the past. Today, it’s a blend of old and new. You’ll find charming remnants of its agricultural past alongside modern amenities. And who knows what the future holds for Courtry? One thing’s for sure, it’s a town that embraces change, from sweet strawberries to cutting-edge science, always evolving, just like its story.
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.