Considering Longjumeau’s old stones, what stories could they tell? Rue Longjumeau stands as a silent witness to centuries of French history. Longjumeau is a town with a history stretching back to Gallo-Roman times. It is located just 19 km from Paris.
Once upon a time, Longjumeau was known as Nogemel in the 12th century. The area was part of the royal domain of Louis VI Le Gros. Longjumeau became an important stop for merchants traveling between Paris and Toulouse. Over time, Longjumeau came under the control of various nobles and French kings. Philippe IV le Bel even allowed the Templars to establish a commandery in Balizy. The last lord of Longjumeau was Grimaldi. He was the Duke of Valentinois and Prince of Monaco.
After the French Revolution, Longjumeau became the capital of a canton in Seine-et-Oise. A major change occurred in 1954 when the Nationale 20 highway was rerouted. It now bypasses the town center. The A6 highway opened in 1960. This helped Longjumeau grow.
The town’s population increased significantly. It went from 3000 residents in 1945 to over 21000 today. Urban development has expanded from the riverbanks to higher ground. Despite urbanization, Longjumeau has managed to maintain a focus on the environment.
Longjumeau is linked to Monaco through the Grimaldi family. Louise Félicité Victoire d’Aumont married Honoré Charles Grimaldi in 1771. This couple inherited the seigneury of Chilly-Longjumeau in 1781. Even after their divorce and the abolition of feudalism, the Grimaldi family retained the title. Prince Albert II of Monaco is now the Count of Longjumeau.
Longjumeau is part of the Association Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco. This organization promotes historical ties between France, Italy, and Monaco. As part of this connection, Prince Albert II visited Longjumeau in 2018. He inaugurated the Espace de la Biodiversité Albert II de Monaco. An olive tree was planted. It symbolized the enduring bond between Monaco and Longjumeau.
The municipal museum of Longjumeau displays items from archaeological digs and private collections. A plaque on the museum commemorates the Peace of Longjumeau. The Peace of Longjumeau ended the second war of religion in 1568. However, it was called a “lame and poorly seated peace”.
The heart of Longjumeau beats with the rhythm of community. Festivals, sports and green spaces add to the unique charm of the town.
Rue Longjumeau is a reminder of the past. It connects Longjumeau to royal domains, peace treaties, and a prince of Monaco. Longjumeau remains a place where history and modern life come together.