Whispers of history linger in Fontenay-en-Parisis. This unassuming village 25 kilometers north of Paris holds centuries of stories. Fontenay-en-Parisis boasts an imposing church a true landmark. The church of Saint-Aquilin its spire piercing the sky. This isn’t just any church. It stands as a testament to Fontenay-en-Parisis’s resilience.
Fontenay-en-Parisis’s history stretches back to 814. Its name Fontanicum then hints at its plentiful water sources. These springs and wells quenched the villagers’ thirst for centuries. The name Fontenay-en-Parisis however only became official in 1904. It’s one of the first places in France to adopt this descriptive name. Fontenay-en-Parisis sits within the heart of the Pays de France.
Imagine the bustling market days. Germain Du Val a shrewd candle merchant significantly impacted Fontenay-en-Parisis. Influential at court he secured a weekly market and two annual fairs. One fair on September 14th coincided with the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Pilgrims flocked here. Fontenay-en-Parisis’s church housed a relic of the True Cross. This attracted many visitors. They also purchased exquisite Chantilly lace. This lace industry flourished here for a time.
The church itself a magnificent blend of architectural styles. The Romanesque bell tower dates from the early 12th century. The southern wall however is a remnant from a late 11th-century structure. The Gothic nave built between 1220 and 1240 connects to a 13th-century ambulatory. A Renaissance-era addition now serves as a baptistery.
The village experienced devastation. The Wars of Religion and the Fronde left their mark. Then the plague of 1694 decimated the population. Records indicate 129 deaths. A plaque within the church however suggests over 300. The church’s survival a powerful symbol of the town’s endurance.
Fontenay-en-Parisis wasn’t always as it is today. Before the French Revolution it was the main village of a seigneury. Louis XIII elevated it to a marquisate in 1637. This was in recognition of services to the crown by François du Val. The Du Vals were candlemakers. The family’s legacy deeply tied to Fontenay-en-Parisis’s history.
Even the mundane details tell a story. The village’s open-air stream often froze over creating impromptu ice rinks. This was a result of floods and subsequent harsh winters. Eventually in 1873 this stream was channeled. Its waters fed by three springs. It flows into the Croult river eventually joining the Seine.
Today remnants of the past remain. The Frontignon wash house stands restored to its original splendor. Its four-sloped roof a unique feature in the region. A reminder of Fontenay-en-Parisis’s rich past is a preserved Michelin road sign. The old fire station with its unique dual entrances remains. Even the dry fountain in the Gue aux Chevaux square stands as a testament to past uses.
Fontenay-en-Parisis more than a village. It’s a living history book. Each stone each street whispers tales of resilience and enduring spirit. Explore its streets discover its secrets. Fontenay-en-Parisis awaits.