Igny

Tucked between the bustling cities of Massy and Palaiseau, lies the charming town of Igny. Have you ever heard of a town named after sheep? Well, some believe Igny’s name originates from words like “Ini,” “Igni,” “Agny,” “Agnus,” or “Aignè,” all related to sheep. Imagine, a town whose very name evokes images of peaceful pastures. Igny’s history stretches back to the 13th century, mentioned in a charter by King Philippe Auguste as “Rivus de Ignaco.” While no defensive castle ever graced Igny’s landscape, the current church tower, predating the Romanesque section of Saint-Pierre Church, likely served as a watchtower, keeping a vigilant eye on the surrounding valley. Igny saw a procession of influential families hold sway over its lands. The de Vigny family, ancestors of the famous poet Alfred de Vigny, ruled from 1579 to 1651. Then came the d’Albertas family, followed by Claude Glucq, a magistrate and advisor to the Parliament who acquired the Vilgènis estate, including Igny, in 1722. Finally, the Bourbon-Condé family held the reins from 1765 to 1789, their reign ending with the tumultuous French Revolution. The revolution brought significant changes, dividing the vast estates into smaller parcels. Only the Gommonvilliers farm, specializing in strawberry cultivation, remained largely intact. In fact, for a time, Igny was renowned for its strawberry production, a sweet legacy reflected in the town’s coat of arms. Speaking of which, the coat of arms also features two beavers, representing the Bièvre River, which meanders through the valley, and a three-towered mural crown, a symbol of the town’s status. The Bièvre, a defining feature of Igny’s landscape, provided not only a natural boundary but also a source of power for mills in the past. Today, it adds to the town’s scenic beauty, its banks a haven for nature lovers. In 1931, Igny acquired a unique piece of its heritage. The town purchased the former Château d’Igny, once owned by Gustave Fayet, a painter and patron of the arts, and transformed it into the present-day town hall. It’s quite remarkable to think that this building, once adorned with works by Van Gogh and other masters, now serves as the heart of Igny’s administration. So, as you stand here in Igny, remember its rich history, from sheep-inspired origins to strawberry fields and artistic havens.