Marvelous Nointel a hidden gem in the Val-d’Oise department awaits. This charming commune boasts a rich history stretching back to the 11th century. Imagine a time when four separate fiefs formed the seigneury of Nointel. Yves the Count of Beaumont united these lands laying the foundation for the Nointel we know today.
The heart of Nointel beats at its remarkable chateau. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries this grand estate was commissioned by Jean de Turmenyes. He was a knight of the King’s Order and a keeper of the Royal Treasury. This chateau is more than just stones and mortar. It’s a testament to power prestige and the elegance of a bygone era.
Later the Prince de Conti transformed the chateau into a hunting lodge. The renowned artist Fragonard even graced its halls. The chateau’s story continues with the financier Bergeret who hosted lavish gatherings. The grand chateau finally served as a contemporary art museum under the ownership of Prince Murat. He housed his impressive collection before financial challenges forced a sale. Today the chateau is a hotel and conference center.
Nointel’s chateau isn’t just about opulent interiors. The extensive English-style gardens are a masterpiece of landscaping. A grand staircase with eighty steps attributed to Francois Mansart is breathtaking. There is also a small octagonal pavilion. This pavilion is near the Mississippi basin dating back to 1720. It is fed by water from the Carnelle forest. Imagine strolling through these gardens admiring the balustrades and statues possibly created by Coysevox. Twenty fountains and basins created by the Turmenyes family add to the charm. The chateau’s west and south gates are remarkable. So are the gatehouses and boundary markers scattered throughout the southern parterre and in front of the former stables.
Beyond the chateau’s walls lies the church of Saint-Denis. The church dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. However it underwent significant renovations between 1879 and 1892. The renovations were by Paul Bejot who was the mayor from 1868 to 1897 and also owned the chateau. Today the church displays a neo-Gothic style. It retains 17th-century sculpted baptismal fonts a testament to its enduring history. A nearby press with a millstone is another interesting feature. It’s from the 17th or 18th century and came from Normandy. The millstone was powered by animals and used for crushing fruit particularly apples.
Nointel is more than just its stately chateau and church. A nearby lake although now off-limits was once a source of recreation and sadly several drownings occurred there. The village’s strategic location near major roads such as the A16 and old national routes facilitated access to Paris Beauvais and other towns. Nointel is also served by the Nointel-Mours train station providing rail connections to Persan Sarcelles and Paris.
Nointel’s name itself is of interest. It possibly derives from a Celtic term signifying a crossroads. This is fitting for this charming commune bridging different eras. Nointel’s history unfolds in each stone each tree each carefully curated detail. It is a place of timeless beauty and captivating stories. A true treasure.