Montry brings together the history of water infrastructure built for Paris and historic sites from several centuries. The Aqueduc de la Dhuis was built between 1863 and 1865 to supply drinking water; Bismarck and Jules Favre met at the Château de la Haute Maison during the 1870 war. These topics offer different perspectives on the area: water supply and technical history on the one hand, historical events on the other.
Aqueduc de la Dhuis and paths
The Aqueduc de la Dhuis is an underground water-supply structure. It was built between 1863 and 1865 to supply Paris with drinking water. A six-kilometre section runs through the municipalities of Chessy, Coupvray and Montry. This makes Montry part of a clearly defined section of the structure; its water-supply role extended as far as Paris. Its construction dates and purpose place the aqueduct within the technical history of the 19th century and explain its significance for water supply.
In Montry, a broad, landscaped path helps protect the Aqueduc de la Dhuis. Check local path conditions if you plan to use it. Another path is associated with the Château de Montry: there, a visitor path runs along the perimeter wall. This presents two distinct aspects side by side—the protection of the underground aqueduct and the route along the château’s perimeter wall.
Buildings and historical periods
The former church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was built in 1185 by Simon, Bishop of Meaux. Its construction date is considerably earlier than the aqueduct’s construction in the 19th century. The former church and the underground water structure thus point to two different historical subjects and periods: ecclesiastical architectural history and technical infrastructure.
Bismarck and Jules Favre met at the Château de la Haute Maison during the 1870 war. In 1940, the château became one of the three Allied headquarters. The two events are seventy years apart and describe different historical roles: a meeting in one instance, and headquarters status later. The château’s history can therefore be understood through two clearly distinct points in time.
The Château de Montry should not be confused with the Château de la Haute Maison. An exceptional Japanese pagoda tree stands in its park and has been awarded the title “Arbre remarquable de France”. The similarly formed château names refer here to different local features: the Château de la Haute Maison is associated with the events of 1870 and 1940, while the park of the Château de Montry is known for its award-winning tree.
Getting here and local amenities
Montry Condé is a stop on tram line T14, which connects Esbly with Crécy-la-Chapelle. This gives you a specific reference point for travelling on this line. Check the latest timetable information before your journey.
The Médiathèque de Montry adds a practical amenity to the area’s history: adults and children can borrow books, DVDs and magazines there free of charge. As collections and borrowing conditions may change, check the current rules before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Bougligny, Melun, Vulaines-lès-Provins, Vaudoy-En-Brie, Bray-Sur-Seine, Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin, Orly-Sur-Morin, Crèvecoeur-En-Brie.
For the broader travel guide: Seine-Et-Marne.
