Doesn’t the name Gouzangrez just roll off your tongue? It is a former commune in the Val-d’Oise department. Gouzangrez is part of the Île-de-France region. But here’s a twist. On January 1 2024, it was merged into the commune of Commeny.
Gouzangrez sits in the French Vexin Regional Natural Park. The park covers a vast area. It includes parts of both Val-d’Oise and Yvelines. Agriculture is key here. The park supports traditional farming. It encourages diversification and respect for the environment.
Let’s rewind to the origins of the name Gouzangrez. It possibly comes from a German woman’s name Gunza. The second part could be “greso” meaning wasteland. We find it written as Gouzengrès in 1164. In 1249, it appeared as Gorengrei.
From the 15th to 18th centuries, the Soulfour family were lords of Gouzangrez. Their coat of arms became the town’s. The Soulfours were important people. They were magistrates in Paris. One was a friend to Cardinal de Bérulle. He also knew Saint-François de Sales. In 1749, the Soulfour line ended. The Butler family inherited Gouzangrez. Jean-Baptiste de Butler called himself Lord of Gouzangrez in 1760.
In 2022, Gouzangrez faced financial challenges. The local council chose to merge with Commeny. In May 2023, both councils voted in favor of the merger.
Gouzangrez was one of the smallest communes in the Val-d’Oise. It covered only 0.77 square kilometers. In 2009, it had only 170 residents.
The village is easily reached from the old Route Nationale 14. This is now the RD 14. Gouzangrez is 16 km northwest of Pontoise. It is also close to other towns.
Gouzangrez boasts two historic monuments. The Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church is one. The base of an old cemetery cross is the other.
The Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church is a mix of styles. The nave is simple Romanesque from the late 11th century. The transept and choir are Gothic. These parts date to the 13th century. The bell tower was rebuilt later. Inside, the transept crossing retains its original Gothic design. The choir was redone in the Renaissance style. Next to the church is the old priory. The cemetery has a 13th-century cross. Together, they create a striking village landmark.
The cemetery cross has a round base. It has four tiers like steps. A simple cylinder supports an iron cross.
Near the church stands the old Sainte-Geneviève priory. It once belonged to the Saint-Vincent de Senlis abbey. Only the living quarters remain. These show 16th and 17th-century features. A monolithic well margin stands in the priory.
Along the Chaussée Jules-César is the old distillery farm. Its tall chimney marks the spot. The farm sells local delicacies. These include flavored mustards and Gouzangrez lentils.
Speaking of farms, the Ferme du Clos du Saule has a dovecote with over 400 nesting boxes. In 1903, this farm gathered sheep. They were destined for the Transvaal. The French government gifted these sheep to the Boers.
In the church, you can find statues of Saint Roch. A funeral slab commemorates Pierre de Pedou from 1333. The inscription asks for prayers for his soul.
Let’s talk about sheep again. In the late 19th century, Mr. Delacour of Gouzangrez bred Dishley-Merino sheep. He aimed to produce better meat. He crossed English Leicester rams with Merino ewes.
Today, Gouzangrez is part of Commeny. It remains a charming village. It is full of history and character. Its church, farms, and stories echo through time.