Grez-sur-Loing
Grez-sur-Loing, located in Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, lies along the Loing River and north of Nemours, about 27 km from Melun and 10 km from Fontainebleau. This village, once called Grès-en-Gâtinais, became part of the royal domain under King Philippe I in 1068.
Historically, Grez was significant in the 13th century under Blanche de Castille's rule. Despite its fortified gates, the village suffered during the Hundred Years’ War, being burned by the English in 1358. Its market, royal notary, and judiciary slowly faded in influence, and the Prussian invasion in 1870 worsened its decline. However, the scenic landscape later attracted artists, especially in the late 19th century.
Notable landmarks include the medieval Stone Bridge over the Loing, the Tower of Ganne ruins, and the Church of Grez—all visible from the Moncourt road. The village once hosted a Templar commandery, Beauvais-en-Gâtinais, with only cellars, a well, and tunnels remaining today.
Grez’s medieval period saw it as a trade route hub, with goods traveling to Paris by road and river. The village had seven mills, of which four remain; one was used for grinding wheat until the 1950s, and another produced electricity.
Archaeological finds show Gallo-Roman influence, with ruins of an agricultural complex and sarcophagi found in 1885. Grez-sur-Loing, with its deep history and charming setting, has inspired artists and writers, as captured in Marguerite of Navarre’s verse.
Il est un village que l'on nomme Grès Près de Paris, lieu chargé de regrets. Car là mourut Louise de Savoie.
(Translation: There is a village called Grès near Paris, a place heavy with sorrow. For there died Louise of Savoy.)