Boissy-Le-Châtel: Church, Château and Paper Mill History

Boissy-Le-Châtel’s history is reflected in its religious art, château architecture and the paper industry of Sainte-Marie. The Église Saint-Sulpice tells the story of several construction phases; the former paper mill represents the transition to factory production and later specialist manufacturing. Galleria Continua connects the former industrial site with changing exhibitions of monumental art. The Château de Boissy-le-Châtel adds another dimension to these themes with its position above the valleys of the Grand Morin and the Orgeval.

Church and Religious Art

The Église Saint-Sulpice was built in the 12th century, destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, rebuilt at the end of the 15th century and partly altered at the beginning of the 16th century. This sequence of construction, destruction, rebuilding and later alterations brings several periods of the building’s history to life.

The church’s furnishings also encompass different forms of religious art. The Stations of the Cross consist of 14 paintings created in 1896. Other features include statues, a rood beam, tombstones and further religious artworks connected with local history. The paintings, architectural elements and tombs thus offer different insights into the church’s furnishings.

The Église Saint-Sulpice is open daily for prayer, reflection and visits; Mass is celebrated there on the first Saturday of each month. As services or works may affect access, check visitor information before you arrive.

Paper Mill History and Contemporary Art

The Sainte-Marie paper mill was converted into a factory in 1820. In the 20th century, the paper factory produced specialist papers, including paper selected for the Albertville Olympic Games. These two stages represent different chapters in the history of the industry: the conversion of the business and the later production of a selected specialist paper.

Galleria Continua is located on the former site of the Sainte-Marie paper mill, the Boissy mill, on the banks of the Grand Morin. Galleria Continua / Les Moulins operates two venues in former paper factories in Boissy-Le-Châtel. The site covers 15 hectares and includes several buildings that bear witness to a bygone industrial era. The site’s former use and its art today thus represent two distinct facets of the area.

Several times a year, Galleria Continua / Les Moulins presents projects and exhibitions of monumental works by artists from five continents. The Galleria Continua Les Moulins area is open to the public Friday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as by appointment. As the exhibition programme changes, check the specific dates and confirm visiting hours before you arrive.

Château and Valley Views

The Château de Boissy-le-Châtel stands on high ground overlooking the valleys of the Grand Morin and its main tributary, the Orgeval. The valleys can be viewed from its watchtower. The surviving château includes the so-called Henri IV Tower, a small stair tower and a watchtower. The property is privately owned. Its elevated position, connection to the valleys and named architectural features each shape the description of the château in their own way.

Discover more destinations: Gressy, Salins, Fontainebleau, Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, Marne-La-Vallée, Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, Trilport, Saint-Martin-du-Boschet

For the regional travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.