The highest village in Ile-de-France, Saint-Martin-du-Tertre takes place in the Val-d'Oise department, 200 meters above sea level. It is located not far from the forest of Carnelle and Villiers-le-Sec, about thirty kilometers from Cergy.
Founded on the site of an ancient christianized pagan place of worship, the municipality of Saint-Martin-du-Tertre experienced many barbarian invasions in the early Middle Ages. Peaceful, it is illustrated in the eighteenth century by hosting some of the tests of the telegraph Chappe. From this event, there remains today only the watchtower.
Full of charm, the small village attracts many visitors each year wanting to learn more about this city rich in history, and spend a few days of vacation to discover Paris and its region.
Listed in the Historical Monuments, the castle of Franconville is a copy of the castle of Maisons-Laffitte, work of François Mansart. Built in the second half of the 19th century, it is enclosed in the Carnelle forest and features neo-Renaissance buildings. Cut stone Méry-sur-Oise, it reveals inside a large entrance hall, a staircase of honor, ornamental chimneys, but also thirty rooms or a large smoking room. Do not miss the theater and its neoclassical architectural decor or the park designed by Louis-Sulpice Varé. From nearly one hundred hectares, it reveals beautiful statues, a wall fountain, a colonnade, or an artificial river. Not far away, the watchtower, now occupied by the Tourist Office, dates from the mid-nineteenth century and reveals a charming troubadour style. A Chappe museum is installed and can be visited on the first and last Tuesdays of the month, in the afternoon.
The Turquaise Stone, or Pierre Turquoise, is a covered alley classified as an historic monument. The largest and most famous fairway in the region, it is more than twelve meters long and about 2.5 meters wide.
Classical style, the church of St. Martin was drawn on the plans of the architect of the King of France. Dedicated to the middle of the eighteenth century, it consists of a nave ending in a semicircular choir.
Erected in 1885, the obelisk of the meridian of Paris marks the meridian that passes through the Observatoire de Paris. Three meters high, it bears the inscription: Astronomical station attached to the geodesic network of the meridian of France.
While strolling in the town, do not miss either to appreciate the lavoir of the covered Vivray of the beginning of the XIXth century or the menhir of the forest of Carnelle located not far from the Turkish Stone.
The market is held every Thursday in the late afternoon. A flea market is organized every first Sunday of October. A Christmas market is also offered on the second Sunday of December.
Do not miss the feast of Pentecost in June.
In November, place to the days of the Tree and their animations.
