Château-Landon
Château-Landon, a town in Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Evidence of Neolithic tools suggests early settlement, and the Gauls later built a fortified site here. In 52 BCE, it was besieged by Julius Caesar, indicating its strategic importance.
During the Middle Ages, the town grew around the Abbey of Saint-Séverin, founded after Saint Severinus died here in 506. King Childebert I built a church in his honor, which later expanded into a significant abbey. The town thrived as a market center in the Gâtinais region, holding fairs and benefiting from its location near major trade routes. In 1043, the town gained historical prominence as the birthplace of Fulk IV of Anjou, a key figure in the Plantagenet dynasty. Château-Landon became part of the royal domain in 1068 and later served as a prosperous medieval hub with three churches, four abbeys, and a mint.
The town faced upheaval in the 15th century with attacks from English forces during the Hundred Years' War. Religious conflicts also marked the 16th century, with Protestant gatherings leading to clashes. In 1860, a railway station opened, boosting local trade. In 1910, a tragic collapse of the Lorroy quarry occurred due to severe flooding, resulting in fatalities.
Today, Château-Landon is known for agriculture, particularly grain production, and has developed a thriving tourism sector, highlighting its rich medieval heritage and scenic charm.