Brunoy is a commune of approximately 26 000 inhabitants located in Essonne, in the Paris region. Located about twenty kilometers from the capital, it takes place on a loop of the Yerres, on the edge of the forest of Sénart. It marks the limit with the department of Val-de-Marne, not far from Montgeron and Combs-la-Ville.
Populated since Prehistory, the city of Brunoy developed during the Gallo-Roman period in the form of a villa. Occupied by the Franks since the fifth century, it became the property of the abbey of Saint-Denis from the seventh century. Marquisat in the 18th century, the town became a privileged promenade for Parisians at the Belle Epoque, notably thanks to its numerous restaurants on the banks of the Yerres.
Today mainly residential, Brunoy nonetheless has a certain tourist attraction thanks to its architectural and natural heritage.
Brunoy has architectural sites which allow to appreciate the history of the city over the centuries. The oldest still visible are the three megalithic ensembles of Pierre Fritte, Haute Borne and La Femme and Lot's Girl. The last two have even been classified as Historic Monuments.
Obelisk marking the entrance of Brunoy, the Pyramid dates from the second half of the 18th century and was built by Soufflot. Former hunting event of King Louis XIV, it has been classified as a Historic Monument.
Rebuilt in the 16th century, the church of Saint-Médard takes place on the remains of an old Merovingian chapel. Today it still features rich 18th-century paneling in carved paneling, paintings by Jean Restout from the 18th century, and 19th-century stained-glass windows by Emile Hirsch, a pupil of Delacroix. The whole has been classified to Historic Monuments.
Walking through Brunoy, you can admire several holiday villas built mostly in the 19th century. They were then built for Parisians of the upper middle class, and were usually surrounded by parks. The town still has five intact state: the neo-Louis XIII-style New Year's Eve, which houses the municipal cultural center, the Brégalière in the same architectural style, the Roches and its park overlooking the Yerres, or the two buildings Located on the Avenue du Petit Chateau and belonging to the National Museum of Natural History. They can not be visited but can be admired from the outside.
Of the numerous secondary houses possessed by the tragedian Francois-Joseph Talma at Brunoy, there remains only one. Built at the end of the 18th century between the Rue du Pont Perronet and the Rue Monmartel, it reveals a cornice with motifs of hooks.
There are still some vestiges of the Brunoy Grand Castle built in the 18th century, the old orangery, the former concierge, the seigniorial farm, the old bakery or a few buildings serving the commons.
The oldest house in Brunoy, the Choquet dates back to the 16th century. The site of the painter Corot who immortalized it on a canvas in the 19th century, it is located not far from the former pavilion of the guard of the Grand Park.
A municipal museum, the Robert Dubois-Corneau Museum takes place in the former home of the historian of the same name. There are many testimonies of his travels such as drawings, autographs, engravings or works of art. The collections are mainly turned towards the 18th century, and the museum also offers a room dedicated to the performing arts through the figure of Talma. A discovery trail is offered in the permanent collections of the place.
The edges of the Yerres, arranged, represent a very pleasant place to walk with family or in love.
Several markets are held at Brunoy on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in the morning. A garage sale is proposed in June. A Christmas market is also organized in December.
The festival of the city is held in June with a concert and several animations for young and old.
Between July and August, the city offers various entertainment such as a health course, outdoor activities, outdoor cinema or games for all. Guinguettes and beach parties are also available.
In October, a solidarity march for October pink, against breast cancer, brings together many volunteers.
An international organ festival is held in November with several concerts.
