Montcourt-Fromonville
Montcourt-Fromonville, located 5 km north of Nemours, has a rich and evolving history. Originally formed from the hamlets of Fromonville, Moncourt, Pleignes, and Darvault, the area saw human activity as early as the Stone Age, with flint tools and remnants of a Neolithic dolmen. By 500 BCE, Celts settled here, and later the region was structured by the Romans, who introduced key trade routes.
The village first appeared in texts in the 12th century, when the prieuré of Néronville organized four feudal fiefs. Over centuries, families such as the Bullicans, Trumels, and Amers shaped the area, establishing Fromonville and Moncourt as central communities. In the 1600s, the Chapotin family built the “Grand Chaillot” château, influencing local development.
The completion of the Loing Canal in 1723 connected Fromonville with larger trade networks, boosting the economy through sand extraction, which continued until the late 20th century. The village thrived on agriculture, vineyards, and trade, and even hosted Prussian troops in 1870.
Montcourt and Fromonville were united in 1926 due to a population shift. Post-WWII, economic changes led to a decline in local agriculture and commerce, and many residents now commute to work in nearby towns. Today, Montcourt-Fromonville reflects both its medieval origins and modern adaptations, with its landmarks like the St. Etienne Church and the Château of Fromonville echoing its layered past.