La Norville

Hidden within the Essonne department, La Norville whispers tales of Knights Templar and French royalty. La Norville wasn’t always the charming town you see today. In the 12th century, it housed a commandery of the Knights Hospitaller, rivals to the more famous Templars. In 1175, Robert d’Arpenty gifted land to this commandery. Brother Gérard, the estate’s guardian, accepted this generous donation, expanding the Hospitallers’ influence in the region. Centuries later, La Norville became entwined with prominent French families. During the 16th century, it fell under the ownership of the Graville family. Renée Baillet, a woman of considerable influence and wife of Jean de Thou, acquired the Carmeaux fief in 1583. Later, the prestigious Noailles family held sway over La Norville in the 18th century. Fast forward to the 20th century, and La Norville played a vital role during the First World War. Madame Fouret transformed her property into a 95-bed auxiliary hospital, providing much-needed care for wounded soldiers. Today, remnants of this rich history remain. The Gare de La Norville – Saint-Germain-lès-Arpajon station connects this tranquil town to the bustling heart of Paris. The Saint-Denis church, with its origins in the 13th and 15th centuries, stands as a testament to La Norville’s enduring spirit. Though the original château now serves as a medical center, its 17th-century architecture still evokes a sense of grandeur. Even the current town hall, housed in the former bailiff’s house, carries echoes of La Norville’s fascinating past.