Ever wondered how a village could be named after a saint who baptized a king? That is the story of Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré. We are standing in a village with a rich past. Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré is not just a name. It is a tribute to Saint Rémy. He was the Bishop of Reims. He famously converted and baptized Clovis. Clovis was the King of the Franks. He also baptized Clovis’s entire army.
Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré is nestled in the rural crown of the Île-de-France region. It offers a blend of history and natural beauty. The village is near Paris. It is also close to Montfort l’Amaury and Coignières. The landscape here features diverse elements. There are valleys and hillsides. There are also wooded areas and farmlands.
Let’s talk about the village’s history. Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré has been inhabited since ancient times. Traces of a Roman camp can be found. It is located at a place called “Le Parc des Anglais”. It is at the end of the road along the woods. If you feel like an archaeologist, you might discover the remains of the camp’s ditches.
The church in Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré is also a notable landmark. It was reinforced by the nuns of Haute-Bruyère. This happened in the second half of the 12th century. Before this church, there likely was another place of worship. It may have been a chapel. The current church was built on its site. Some parts of the church date back to that time. Inside the church, you can admire beautiful features. There is the stained glass window of Saint Rémy. There is also the altar of the Virgin and a polychrome wooden statue of Saint Rémy.
Did you know the bell has a name? It is called Rosalie Hieronyme. It was named after the wife of Louis XIV’s chancellor. He was Messire Philipperaux de Pontchartrain.
Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré also features the Jardin Yili. It is the first traditional Chinese garden in France. This garden was created during the France-China year. The city of Suzhou helped. Suzhou is known as the Venice of the East. It is famous for its classical gardens.
Let’s talk about another piece of history in Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré. After the death of Philippe 1st, Bertrade retired to Fontevrault monastery. In 1112, Amaury III and King Louis VI founded the Haute-Bruyère Abbey. Bertrade was appointed there in 1114. She remained pious until her death.
From the 12th to the 16th century, Haute-Bruyère was a priory for women. In 1160, it housed 200 people. They cared for the sick. They educated children. They had grazing rights for pigs and cattle.
Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré offers a journey through time. It offers a glimpse into French history. The village combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.
Our visit to Saint-Rémy-l’Honoré comes to an end here. I hope that this tour will leave you with special memories.