Vert-le-Grand

What secrets does Vert-le-Grand hold beneath its quiet charm? Vert-le-Grand isn’t just a picturesque village in the Île-de-France region. It’s a place where echoes of prehistory whisper through the hills. These very hills, part of the Fontainebleau Massif, have sheltered inhabitants since the Paleolithic era. Imagine early humans crafting tools on Montaubert hill, leaving behind a legacy like the Acheulean hand axe and protohistoric vase discovered here. Traces of Gallo-Roman settlements weave another layer into Vert-le-Grand’s rich tapestry. The discovery of a Merovingian cemetery in the village center confirms Vert-le-Grand’s existence for over 14 centuries. Records from the Longpont Priory in the 11th century mention the village. Back then, it was partially owned by Guy de Montlhéry and his wife, Hodierne. Over time, portions of the land were granted to the priory’s monks. Braseux and Montaubert evolved into seigneuries, later integrated into Vert-le-Grand. The changing ownership between lords and religious establishments led to two distinct entities: Grand Vert and Petit Vert. These names, Valgrand and Valpetit, referred to the large and small valleys. Vert-le-Grand’s history is etched onto its very structures. Many houses and farm buildings stand virtually unchanged after 400 years. Some cellars in the village core date back over 1000 years. These historic walls have housed notable figures. Vert-le-Grand welcomed Philippe de Valois in 1313. Chancellor Michel de l’Hospital spent his later years here. Even Monsieur de Beaumarchais and a French king, along with exiled foreign royalty, graced Vert-le-Grand with their presence. In 1642, the seigneurie was elevated to baronies. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Vert-le-Grand became a sought-after retreat for wealthy Parisians, including Victor Hugo. Elegant bourgeois residences and châteaux stand as testaments to this era. In the early 19th century, one of Vert-le-Grand’s hills even hosted an optical telegraph, sadly destroyed in 1850. By the end of the 19th century, Vert-le-Grand encompassed the main village, the Berthault hamlet, the Saussaye estate, and the three large farms of Braseux, Montaubert, and Les Noues. While the Château de la Saussaye was lost during the Revolution, its magnificent outbuildings, including a square Île-de-France tower, moats, and a park with ancient trees, still stand. Agriculture has always been Vert-le-Grand’s lifeblood. Even today, 80% of its land is cultivated. The present church, a blend of 11th, 13th, and 16th-century architecture, boasts a 32-meter bell tower. It’s one of the highest in the region, second only to Mennecy’s. Ancient washhouses and fountains add to Vert-le-Grand’s enduring charm. As you leave Vert-le-Grand, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From prehistoric settlements to royal visits, Vert-le-Grand whispers tales of the past.