Municipality of Yvelines, in the Île-de-France region, Le Mesnil-Saint-Denis takes place about fifteen kilometers from Versailles and its royal castle famous throughout the world. It is located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Haute-Vallée de Chevreuse, about thirty kilometers from Paris and not far from Trappes, Élancourt and Maurepas.
The territory of Mesnil-Saint-Denis originated in the 8th century with the donation of a fiefdom in the Yvelines forest to the monks of the abbey of Saint-Denis. The town has developed little by little around these activities, in particular with the construction of the fortress of Beaurain. Long an agricultural commune, the Ile-de-France city saw its face change in the second half of the 20th century, becoming an important residential place.
Today dynamic and very active, the town also has an architectural heritage which testifies to its richness in past centuries.
Originally built in the 13th century, the Saint-Denis church was largely rebuilt in the 16th century. The building, which originally depended on the castle, features a chapel built for Habert de Montmort at the end of the 16th century. It used to have a gate that gave direct access to the park. Inside, visitors will appreciate the richness of its furnishings, including a very beautiful 14th century sculpture of a Madonna and Child holding a bird.
Now serving as town hall, the late 16th century castle is still visible today and can be admired from the outside.
While strolling in the town, you can also discover the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a Russian Orthodox hermitage located in the Bois du Fay. In Byzantine style, it was founded in the first half of the 20th century and is still occupied by monks who do not live together. Visits are offered there, by reservation at the Tourist office.
Do not miss to admire the ancient remains in the city center such as the Henri IV gate or the half-timbered houses inspired by Norman architecture, or the Sacré-Coeur monastery which is used today. nursing home hui.
The Beaurain farm, a former 13th century fortified house, is also worth a detour. Formerly dependent on the fortress of Beaurain destroyed in the 17th century, it aims to become an important cultural center.
The weekly market is held every Thursday morning.
A carnival is offered in March.
Concerts are organized in June on the occasion of the Fête de la Musique.
The Model Making and Automobile Meetings take place in September.
Fireworks and popular ball are on the program for the National Day in mid-July.
In October, make way for Saint-Denis and its famous flea market.
A craft Christmas market is offered in December.
