“Big oak tree” once described a wooden stronghold. That stronghold eventually gave part of its name to Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. We stand here in a place with a history stretching back centuries. Are you ready to hear its story?
Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. It is a name with echoes of ancient forests and medieval strongholds. This commune in the Yvelines department, Île-de-France, has a fascinating story. It is a story woven from royal parks and revolutionary fervor.
Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche began as a collection of small hamlets. These hamlets clustered near the Forest of Marly. The village draws its name from two sources. First, Saint Nonne a 9th-century bishop. He helped re-evangelize the area. Second, La Bretesche. This was a wooden stronghold. It was named for the “breit eiche” or big oak tree.
Originally the area was known as “Saint-Nonne au Val de Galie”. Later it became “Saint-Nom près de la Bretesche”. The name Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche became official after the French Revolution. During the Revolution, the district had other names. It was briefly called “La Montagne Fromentale” and “l’Union la Bretesche”.
The hamlets of Avinières, Val-Martin and La Tuilerie-Bignon belonged to various lords. The Dames de Poissy and the Vaux-de-Cernay Abbey also held sway here. Interestingly, the northern part of Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. It was once part of Marly Park. The southern part belonged to Versailles Park. This division made it hard for the village to form its own identity.
However, the population grew steadily. After 1982 it increased significantly. This growth helped unify Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. By 2000 the village had built a “Centre Village” and a library.
In 1999 a powerful storm struck. It caused significant damage to Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. The storm uprooted ancient trees. It also damaged the Château de la Bretèche.
Today Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche is also known for its international golf course. In 1954 Mr. Ortet sought a buyer for his property. Daniel Feau envisioned a large golf course near Paris. By 1959 a 36-hole course opened.
Gaëtan Mourgue D’Algue a resident of Saint-Nom wanted to promote golf in France. He and Dominique Motte proposed a new tournament to Pierre Menet of the Lancôme Company. This led to the Trophée Lancôme. In 1963 Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche hosted the Canada Cup. This further enhanced its international reputation.
One notable sight is the Ferme de Saint-Nom. In 1228 a lord of Poissy gave it to the Vaux de Cernay monastery. The Cistercian monks expanded the farm. They turned it into a model agricultural estate.
Another is the Chateau of la Bretèche. Once owned by the Pomereu family. It was sold to Louis XIV. He used it to house the hunting equipment of the Comte de Toulouse.
As you leave Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche remember its diverse past. From a wooden stronghold to a modern village. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. It is a story of lords, monks, revolution and golf.