Le Plessis-Bouchard is a town in Val-d'Oise, in the Île-de-France region, 20 km northwest of Paris.
Its relatively modest territory (2.6 km²) is located in the heart of the Montmorency valley, a small natural region now very urbanized which stretches from Lake Enghien in the south-east to the Oise valley. to the northwest.
The locality of Plessis-Bouchard still has a very green character, since more than a third of its area to the west is made up of natural spaces and market gardens. This is the plain of Boissy.
The hamlet of Plessis appeared in the 12th century, erected into a parish dependent on the bishops of Paris. As for the land, still very wooded, it depended on the lords of Saint-Leu then, from the 14th century, on those of Montmorency who liked to come and hunt at Plessis. The elders of the family are called Bouchard, which will give its name to the town.
If a town hall-school was built in 1874, it was not until the 20th century that the village became urbanized and became a pleasant residential city with a preserved living environment. The population is nowadays close to 8300 inhabitants, but the town has retained its character. The leisure offer and the green environment of Plessis-Bouchard should therefore be taken into account during a stay in Île-de-France.
In terms of heritage, the town has two churches. The first dedicated to Saint-Nicolas dates from the 17th century, having succeeded a medieval building. In neo-Romanesque style, it was degraded during the Revolution and was restored in the 19th century. More recently, contemporary stained glass windows were installed and a new bell was installed in 2011. Finally, we notice that two stone Calvaries frame the church, overlooking the square. Information on +33 1 34 15 36 81.
Furthermore, after the Second World War, the church of Saint-François-de-Sales was built in a resolutely geometric contemporary style, with a bell tower. Inside, in front of the altar, there is a mosaic depicting the evangelists.
Elsewhere, in the small town, there is still to be seen a farm testifying to the market gardening tradition, a fine 18th century bourgeois house, a cross from 1893, the old town hall-school from the 19th century, and, in the cemetery, a tomb where 25 soldiers, both French and German, who perished during the battles of 1870 are buried. the town) a music school, a media library regularly programming events (readings, meetings) and a leisure center for children. Information on +33 1 34 13 35 44.
For sports enthusiasts, a city park (rue Brossolette), a tennis complex (avenue Siegfried, contact on +33 1 30 72 05 06), as well as a skate park and a football field (Chemin de la Plaine).
For a pleasant walk in a green setting, the Yves Carric park located in the city center includes century-old trees lining the paths and areas for relaxation and games. The place regularly hosts events (spring festival, open-air exhibitions, flea markets, etc.).
The other large area dedicated to walking is the plain of Boissy, to the west of the town. This is one of the components of the regional domain of Boissy Taverny: there are sensitive natural areas (presence of protected birds) but also areas devoted to market gardening. The plain is extended, beyond the municipal limits, by the woods of Boissy and Aulnayes.
Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate this potential, but larger loops also allow, for example, to reach Montmorency or the Oise valley. Maps and information on +33 1 34 13 71 39 or +33 1 39 64 42 94.
The green spaces of Plessis-Bouchard and its surroundings can also be explored via pleasant horseback riding: join the equestrian center located in the town at +33 6 22 04 80 27.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the covered market perpetuates the market gardening vocation of the city and showcases local products.
In February, painting and sculpture fair bringing together around a hundred artists.
In March, over three weeks, Festival des Couleurs du Plessis with exhibitions, music shows, theatre, dance...
On 21 June, summer and music festival.
In November, the theatrical festival of Val d'Oise stops in the locality and programs a play at the Cultural Center Jacques Templier.
