La Chapelle-en-Serval

Can you believe that the bustling town of La Chapelle-en-Serval, just a short hop from the Parisian frenzy, was once a quiet, unassuming village? La Chapelle-en-Serval. A place where history whispers through the rustling leaves of the Chantilly Forest and echoes in the stones of its elegant Château Mont-Royal. Today, we stand before this charming commune in the Oise department, a town that has gracefully balanced its rich past with the vibrancy of modern life. La Chapelle-en-Serval wasn’t always the independent commune we see today. It started as a humble offshoot of the nearby Orry-la-Ville. In fact, it even housed another parish, known as Geni, back in the 13th century. The area, tragically, suffered depopulation due to epidemics. Consequently, in 1245, the Bishop of Senlis, Adam de Chambly, made the decision to merge Geni with La Chapelle-en-Serval. This pivotal moment marked La Chapelle-en-Serval’s rise to independence. La Chapelle-en-Serval’s location has always been a key factor in its story. Situated on the well-traveled RN 17, now known as RD 1017, the town flourished as a crossroads. This strategic position, along with its proximity to Paris, Chantilly, and Senlis, fostered a thriving trade and bustling activity. Back in the 18th century, you could find a remarkable fifteen hotels in La Chapelle-en-Serval. This speaks volumes about the town’s role as a vital stop for travelers. One notable establishment was the relais de poste, established in 1632. Imagine horse-drawn carriages clattering through the streets, their passengers eager to rest and refresh at this crucial relay point. The relay operated for centuries, under the management of the Doutreleau family, no less, until its closure in 1862 upon the arrival of the railway. Now, let’s shift our gaze to the elegant Château Mont-Royal. Built between 1908 and 1911, this beautiful Louis XVI-style château was the brainchild of Fernand Halphen, a composer who sought a haven for both hunting and musical pursuits. La Chapelle-en-Serval’s link to the Halphen family began even earlier, with their ownership of the “Vieux Château.” But Fernand Halphen, seeking a grander residence, commissioned Mont-Royal. The château’s exterior, adorned with bas-reliefs celebrating the hunt, stands in quiet contrast to the interior, originally designed with a theater echoing the Opera-Comique. Today, this very theater serves as the hotel restaurant, offering a fascinating blend of history and modern hospitality. The heart of La Chapelle-en-Serval, however, lies in its charming church, Église de la Trinité. Largely a product of the 16th century, this church replaced an earlier structure damaged during the Hundred Years’ War. Its simple yet elegant style tells a story of resilience and rebuilding. The church’s interior, with its cylindrical pillars, ribbed vaults, and understated rose window keystones, whispers of a simpler time. The church’s most striking feature is its imposing bell tower, topped with a stone cupola that hints at the Renaissance influence. As we conclude our visit to La Chapelle-en-Serval, take a moment to appreciate the harmony this town has achieved between its historical roots and modern development.