Mennecy is a city of Essonne, in the Île-de-France region, about thirty kilometers south-east of Paris.
Located on the right bank of the Essonne, the locality developed from the Middle Ages via a mainly agricultural activity before taking advantage of the development of the nearby Villeroy domain (now included in the territory of the commune), a royal fief granted to the knight Jehan de Grez, then passed under possession of the church Notre-Dame of Paris before returning to the noble family of Neufville, in the sixteenth century. Erected in duchy, one of the lords will be marshal of Louis XIV. Meanwhile, a Renaissance-style castle with a large park is laid out. Then a porcelain factory was well known in the eighteenth century before ceasing its activities before the Revolution. The castle was destroyed at the end of the 18th century but the vast park is now the jewel of Mennecy.
Bourg prospère, Mennecy then remains essentially composed of a center with a few houses of character but rich especially of its agriculture. There are a few industries (candy, stationery), but there are only 1,500 inhabitants before the First World War. It was not until the 1970s that suburban areas were developed, and the population grew from 3,500 in 1968 to 13,500 today.
However, Mennecy still accounts for more than 50% of its territory consisting of agricultural, forest and natural areas and urbanization has preserved its environment and its living environment.
Its natural and historical heritage as well as its cultural dynamism make it a stage of interest during a stay in the Paris region.
In terms of built heritage, a discovery of the city can begin with the church Saint-Pierre, Gothic style, erected on a hill in the thirteenth century instead of a Romanesque church. The building, classed as early as 1926, has several distinctive features: it is composed of two naves, which was rare for the period, and oriented north-south, while the majority of the churches is then "turned" towards the east. Moreover, its square bell to the independent foundations is supported by two buttresses. Settlements of ground now give him a leaning pace.
In 1607, the lord of Villeroy added a chapel, dedicated to Notre-Dame, endowed with an altar.
The church houses a 17th-century altarpiece and an 18th-century painting.
The imposing old gate of Paris is also to be seen on the town. Built in the 17th century, its two pilasters (ornaments on a wall, possessing base and capitals), made by the last Duke of Villeroy in 1775.
The current town hall, dating from the mid-19th century, was built on the site of an old hall built in the 18th century.
It is, however, its tremendous environmental heritage that makes the city rich.
The banks of the Essonne, the woods and paths that mark it form a protected ecological space appreciated by walkers. On the outskirts of the town in the direction of Lisses, we can also mention the sector of the paws of goose and its ponds, recently renovated, which does not lack of attractions.
For all that, the jewel of Mennecy is Villeroy Park, formerly adjacent to the castle, which forms a verdant set of more than 100 hectares northwest of the city. The municipality has owned it since 1972, and if some public facilities were built there (a college, a sports center, a cultural complex), the main part of this park has been preserved. The vestiges of the old castle are still visible from where go out large alleys lined with majestic trees: purple beeches, plane trees and mostly redwoods. The latter have been labeled "remarkable trees" and form a unique set in Europe for this variety: there are about 800 m some 134 sequoias high 30 m aged a century and a half.
But it is also possible to move away from the alleys to enjoy more "wild" groves. Open all year. For a walk, documentation, map and information on +33 1 64 57 07 82.
For hiking or mountain biking at the departure or including Mennecy and its most interesting sites, contact the +33 1 64 97 36 91.
To get involved in the fishery, find out about the sites and regulations at +33 1 64 96 14 00.
On the sports side, Mennecy does not lack resources. For beginners or experienced practitioners, the golf course of Mennecy-Chevannes is partly located on the town. Information on +33 1 64 99 88 74.
For a game of tennis, join the local club on +33 9 63 03 38 27. As for the lovers of pétanque, they can contact the +33 1 64 93 42 28.
Equestrian sports are available at the Equestrian Club of l'Étoile blanche. Join the association on +33 1 64 57 15 69.
Lastly, the Espace Jean-Jacques Robert organizes all-year-round quality shows (theater, concerts) and exhibitions. Information and reservation on +33 1 69 90 04 92.
In mid-May, the Mennecy Dream Cars offers an exhibition of vintage cars (especially American), musical and convivial animations.
The first weekend in July at Villeroy Park, the Lamano Festival organizes world and reggae music concerts and offers cultural workshops and sports events.
On the occasion of the national holiday, many sporting and leisure attractions, and fireworks in the evening.
The first Saturday of September, forum of associations.
The second weekend of September, in Villeroy Park, the Mennecy Metal Festival program of metal rock concerts.
Finally, on Wednesday and Saturday morning, the market, Place Occhiobello, makes it possible to discover the riches of the Ile-de-France region and to reconnect with the market garden tradition of the city.
