Épinay-sous-Sénart

Tucked away in the Île-de-France region, Épinay-sous-Sénart whispers tales of ancient forests and royal encounters. Épinay-sous-Sénart, whose name echoes the Latin word for “thorn,” ‘spina’, hints at its origins amidst the thorny bushes of the Sénart forest. In the 7th century, clearings began to appear, carving out spaces for settlements. By the 12th century, Épinay-sous-Sénart had grown into a significant seigneury, held by the Genovese until 1738. A fascinating chapter in Épinay-sous-Sénart’s history involves Jean Paris, Marquis of Brunoy. In 1756, he secured a 99-year lease on the seigneury’s land. This lease was later continued in 1774 by the new Marquis of Brunoy, the brother of King Louis XV, who would later become Louis XVIII. Legend has it that the Sénart forest was the setting of a fateful royal encounter. It’s said that during a hunting trip, Louis XV crossed paths with Madame Lenormand d’Étiolles, who would later become the famed Marquise de Pompadour. Épinay-sous-Sénart’s town hall is no ordinary administrative building. It stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. This elegant Louis XIII-style mansion was built in 1891 by Eugène Ritt. After falling into disrepair, the chateau was purchased by the municipality on September 26, 1967, and transformed into the new town hall. Épinay-sous-Sénart also boasts a unique tribute to cycling legend Jacques Anquetil. A bronze sculpture titled “La Bicyclette,” created by local artist Alex Garcia, stands proudly on the Jacques Anquetil roundabout. It was inaugurated on September 23, 1989, commemorating Anquetil’s achievements. The Church of Saint Damien of Veuster is another landmark in Épinay-sous-Sénart. The original church, having become dilapidated, was demolished in 1821. The religious community of Épinay-sous-Sénart then became part of the Brunoy parish. The current church, dedicated to Father Damien de Veuster (1840-1889), the Apostle of the Lepers, was built as part of the urban development and construction of Val d’Yerres, which began in 1960. A discreet grey cross adorns the facade of the church, a subtle marker of this place of worship amidst the bustling commercial center. The new church was consecrated on December 19, 1971, by Bishop Bescond of Versailles. Within the church, a reliquary holds a fragment of Saint Damien’s chasuble. Épinay-sous-Sénart’s history is a blend of prominent figures and significant events, woven into the backdrop of a picturesque town on the edge of the Sénart forest.