Héricy
Héricy, a village 20 km from Montereau-Fault-Yonne, has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of early settlements on the La Brosse and Fontaineroux plateau. Its development began in Roman times with storage warehouses built by the Nautes Senons, traders operating a major port across the Seine at Samois.
Significant historical milestones shaped Héricy's growth, particularly the medieval period. The Cistercian monks founded the influential Barbeau Abbey in the 11th century, where King Louis VII was eventually buried. The abbey was demolished in the 19th century, but it had already transformed the region through wine production, establishing Héricy’s economic foundation.
The Seine has been central to Héricy's trade since the 12th century, with a weekly boat service connecting Paris and Montereau. A significant bridge linked Héricy and Samois-sur-Seine, critical for trade and military movements, and led Héricy to become a fortified town in the 14th century. However, this bridge was repeatedly damaged during conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War and later, by floods in 1658.
In the 16th century, Héricy was elevated to a barony under Charles IX. The Château de Héricy, built in 1688, now serves as the town hall. The 19th century brought modernization with the construction of locks on the Seine and the introduction of a railway in 1897, signaling a new era for Héricy.