Montfort-l'Amaury

Montfort-l'Amaury is a commune in the Yvelines department in the southwestern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 20 km N of Rambouillet. The name originates from Amaury I de Montfort, the first dynasty of the Comtes de Montfort.

Geography

The commune has slopes in the north which includes the Rambouillet Forest which covers 220 km². The city is located on a rocky area of 183 m above sea level.

History

Coat of arms: de gueules au lion à la queue fourchée d'argent, au chef d'hermine

King Robert II built a castle in 996 in the hills of Montfort. The castle was destroyed by the English during the Hundred Years' War. Montfort-l'Amaury was the stronghold of the Montfort family from the start of the 9th century. Amaury I built the ramparts. The Comté de Montfort was related to the Duchy of Brittany following the marriage of Yolande de Dreux-Montfort with Arthur of Brittany in 1294. The crown returned to France when Brittany became a part of France under Francis I.

Sites of interest

The ruins of the donjon, above the house of Maurice Ravel

• Ruins of the castle 48°46′36″N 1°48′16″E / 48.77667, 1.80444
• Maison de Maurice Ravel, which is now a museum. 20th century. Maurice Ravel lived here since 1920.
• Chateau de Groussay, built in the 19th century

Famous people who lived or died at Montfort-l'Amaury

• Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester - born in the castle, 1208
• Maurice Ravel
• Jean Anouilh
• Jean Monnet

Twinnings

• Nickenich, Germany

External links

• Map and aerial photos
  • Street map from Mapquest
  • Aerial photograph from Microsoft Terraserver
  • Pictures of Castle Montfort l'Amaury
• Photos of Monfort l'Amaury (the town and its towers)
  • Photos by Amaury Laporte, free to use for non commercial purposes
• Informations about Montfort l'Amaury

Coordinates: 48°46′40″N, 1°48′36″E