“Forest I was; City I am.” That’s the motto linked to Le Raincy.
Quai du Rancy finds itself connected to this place. Le Raincy began on the edge of Bondy forest. It evolved into one of France’s earliest designed parks.
Let’s explore its story. The lords of Bondy once owned Le Raincy. Jacques Bordier transformed it into a princely estate. Even Louis XIV frequented it. Princess Palatine, the Sanguin family, and the Dukes of Orleans resided here.
However the castle fell into disrepair. Louis-Philippe tried to restore it. He then donated it to his children. In 1848, the royal family lost the estate. It became national property. The castle suffered looting. The domain was divided and sold.
Le Raincy wasn’t just a park. It pioneered English-style parks in continental Europe. Madame de Sévigné and Napoleon were among its famous guests. A gentle atmosphere remains with green paths. Nineteenth-century housing schemes created avenues.
Le Raincy officially became a town in 1869. This happened by Napoleonic decree. It rose to become the administrative center of its canton in 1882. By 1962 it was the canton-capital of the district. Then, in 1964, it became the sub-prefecture of Seine-Saint-Denis.
Now consider the Church Notre-Dame. It holds the distinction of being the first concrete church ever built. The Perret Brothers designed it in 1923. It stands as a landmark in modern architecture. Despite its relatively recent construction it gained classification as a Historical Monument.
Inside Notre-Dame light filters through stained glass windows. Maurice Denis designed them. Master glassmaker Marguerite Huré crafted them. Screenwalling enhances the light into the nave.
The motto “Forest I was; City I am” encapsulates Le Raincy’s transformation. It started as a forest edge. Now it stands as a town with a rich history. Le Raincy offers green spaces. There is also a skating rink, swimming pool, fitness center, and tennis court. You can visit the library, the national school of music and visual arts or two cultural centers. A daily market and association forums provide community hubs. Regular jumble sales and flea markets add local color. Le Raincy even has ties with Finchley-Barnet in England. It’s also twinned with Clusone, an Italian city.