Is it true that this village was named after perches? That’s right. We are standing in Le Perchay. It is a commune in the Val-d’Oise department of France. Le Perchay sits on the central plateau of the French Vexin.
The name Le Perchay comes from the Latin word “pertica”. Pertica means perch. The suffix “etum” likely meant “young wood”. In 1122, it was known as Pertiaco or Perticato. Imagine this area covered in young trees.
As you wander through Le Perchay, notice the architecture. You will see the marks of an agricultural economy. There are large farms, rural houses, and fountains. This gives the town a typical architectural ambiance.
Le Perchay has a rich history. The village is built on the Vexin plateau. This is not far from the ancient road of Julius Caesar. Le Perchay retains beautiful old houses from times long past.
One highlight is the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church. It may have been founded around 630 AD by Saint Romain. The church has been remodeled a lot over the centuries. The nave features twelfth-century columns. The side aisle and chancel are from the seventeenth century. These have ribbed vaults. The base of the bell tower has square pillars. These pillars have capitals with interlace and heads. Like the entrance portal, it dates back to the twelfth century.
Near the church stands the old manor of the Perchay family. The Guiry family rebuilt it in the sixteenth century. It now operates as a farm. Look for the beautiful dovecote and entrance porch. The Guiry family’s coat of arms is sculpted on the building’s facade.
Behind the church, observe the calvary. The cross shaft dates from the sixteenth century. It features figures in niches. It rests on a twelfth-century column base.
Le Perchay also boasts several wash houses. An old circular wash house known as the “Roman wash house” is at “la Gouline de Commeny”. Two other wash houses are in the protected site of “la Vallée aux Moines”. One of these has been recently restored.
The Ferme de la Mare has become an equestrian center. This building dates back to the sixteenth century. It features a stair turret. An eighteenth-century wing was added later.
The Ferme de la Barre was once a fief of Saint-Maclou de Pontoise. The dwelling dates from the eighteenth century. Also, there is the Ferme de la Chaumette.
Le Perchay had 297 inhabitants in 1790. In 1999, that number grew to 476. In 2013, it was 568. In 2022, the population was 513. The area covers 5.46 square kilometers. That’s about 2.11 square miles.
Le Perchay offers a glimpse into the past. Its historic buildings and rural charm capture the essence of French heritage. Take a moment to appreciate this little village.