Chartrettes
Chartrettes, located on the right bank of the Seine opposite Bois-le-Roi, has a long history due to its strategic location along a well-used river. Archaeological finds show human presence dating back to prehistoric times, with artifacts from the Iron Age and a Neolithic tomb nearby. During Roman times, Chartrettes benefited from peace and prosperity, which fostered trade and the introduction of vineyards.
In the Renaissance, the valley was repopulated by a new noble class. Following the Hundred Years' War, wealthy magistrates from Melun built manor houses, and prominent families acquired significant properties. The village was relatively unaffected by religious conflicts, although Protestants from Melun occasionally gathered in a local house, causing tension.
Chartrettes’ modern development began in the late 19th century under Napoleon III, with projects like a dam, lock (1856-1860), and bridge (1862). The arrival of railways in 1898 helped transform the area into a popular spot for tourists, leading to the construction of secondary homes, an expanded central square, and a new town hall in 1913.
From the 1970s onward, Chartrettes attracted more permanent residents commuting to Paris. Its population grew from 637 in 1886 to over 2,100 by 1990. Floods and landslides have impacted the commune, with major incidents in 1997, 1999, and 2016.
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