Ever wondered where Parisian royalty sought refuge? That would be the area near Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche – Forêt de Marly. We are standing near a place steeped in history and natural beauty.
Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche gets its unique name from two sources. A ninth-century chorevèque Saint Nonne and the “Bretesche” a wooden fortress. The fortress was a key point on the edge of the Cruye forest.
Originally, Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche was known as Saint-Nonne au val de Galie. It was named after the parish. Over time the name evolved to Saint-Nom près la Bretesche. Finally it became Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. During the Revolution the town was briefly called “La Montagne Fromentale”. It then transitioned to “l’Union la Bretesche”.
The area we are in today was once divided into five distinct hamlets. There was Saint-Nom itself. There was La Bretèche and Valmartin. Also La Tuilerie Bignon was a hamlet. A fifth hamlet joined in the late 20th century. It was part of the Vallon de Chavenay.
Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche is more than just its name. It sits in the Yvelines department of the Île-de-France region. People who live here are called Nonnais-Bretéchois. It is a short drive from Paris.
The Forêt de Marly is nearby. It was once called Forêt de Cruye. This forest spans 2,000 hectares. That is about twelve kilometers long. Kings of France used to hunt here. Later, it became a retreat for French presidents until 1997.
The forest offers various trails. These include the Tournée des Grands Chênes. You can also go from the train station to Étang la Ville. Artist Camille Pissarro even captured the forest’s beauty in a painting.
Interestingly, Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche is twinned with Rösrath in Germany. This partnership has existed since 1998. Several notable buildings are found here. The Saint-Nom church is beautiful. So is the Château de la Bretèche and the Ferme du Valmartin.
Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche has a golf course. It sits on the former site of the Tuilerie Bignon farm. This private club is quite famous. It hosted the Trophée Lancôme until 2003.
Several famous people have connections to Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. Actor Pierre Richard-Willm owned a residence here called “la Datcha”. Politician Jacques Kosciusko-Morizet served as mayor from 1977 to 1994. The painter Michel Dureuil also frequented the town. Footballer Blaise Matuidi once lived in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche.
Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche – Forêt de Marly offers a blend of history, nature, and charm. As we conclude our visit take a moment to appreciate this unique village. Its evolution from ancient hamlets to a modern community tells a fascinating story.