Book a private car service pick up Paris to Creil's town and  Castle

 

• History of Creil
• Creil nowadays
• What to visit in Creil ?
• Take a tour of the Château de Creil
• Discover the Museum Gallé Juillet in Creil
• Book a car service in Paris for Creil's Castle

 

History of Creil

According to historians, the town of Creil is believed to have originated in prehistoric times, but concrete evidence of its existence was first recorded in 633. It gained prominence from the 14th century onwards, and has a rich historical heritage.

 

A Prehistoric Haven

Various archaeological investigations have uncovered evidence of Creil's prehistoric past. Indeed, the area has been classified as a Neolithic settlement and later as a necropolis of the Gallic civilization during the late Bronze Age.

 

A Crucial Hub During Antiquity

Creil transitioned from a Gallo-Roman vicus to a commercial village of the Lower Empire during the first centuries AD. It was a mandatory stopover from Augustomagus to Caesaromagus, two significant cities of antiquity.

 

The Middle Ages: Creil Comes to the Fore

The first mentions of the town of Creil appear around 633 under the names of Criolo and Crioilum in the writings of Bishop Dadon of Rouen. The first lords of Creil were members of Yves Creil's family at the end of the tenth century. Later, Louis IX acquired it, making it one of the primary residences of the French kings. King Charles IV was born in this lordship. It was also a significant site during the Hundred Years' War.

 

Modern Times: A Continually Occupied City

The city of Creil has been the object of much desire from several foreign powers. During the religious wars of the 16th century, the city underwent multiple assaults and occupations, including those by the Huguenots. In the 17th century, the occupation by rebel troops against the monarchy compelled Louis XIV to visit the seigneurie frequently.

 

Creil: The City of Resistance in the Contemporary Era

After the Revolution of 1789, the city resisted the vengeful return of the Prince de Conde, and the inhabitants rose against the nobility and religion. During the First World War, its rail network and infrastructures were crucial assets for the Allies in terms of logistics. Then, during World War II, its strategic location and industrial infrastructures of the time justified it being one of the most targeted cities in France. However, it was also a major resistance centre even under German occupation. There are numerous opportunities for historical sightseeing in this city.

 

Creil nowadays

The city of Creil has a rich historical past. Currently, it is one of the most dynamic municipalities in the Hauts-de-France region in France, both demographically and economically.

 

Significant Demographic Density

Creil is currently part of the Creil Urban Unit, which houses over 120,000 inhabitants. This makes it the most populated area in the Oise. Specifically, in 2014, according to INSEE, the city had 34,922 residents. The population is notably young, with a working-age majority between 15 and 45 years. This demographic group represents over 63% of the Creillois. Furthermore, the city boasts considerable diversity, with more than 26% of its population comprised of immigrants.

 

A Stable Economy

Though the local economy doesn't support a particularly lavish lifestyle compared to the rest of France, it remains stable. The average household income is around 11,000 euros per year. However, the closure of some major industries, such as Renault and Vieille Montagne, significantly impacted this economy, particularly concerning the unemployment rate. With over 20% of the working population unemployed, local authorities had to adapt, primarily by proposing a local plan for integration and employment. Active sectors in the city and its surroundings include commerce, new technologies within the Alata Technological Park, and the tertiary sector, notably within the Bois Saint-Romain economic and tertiary management zone and the Field of Justice.




Urbanization of the City

In terms of transport routes, the city is connected to other municipalities in the region by departmental roads (D106, D200, D201, D1330, and D1016), the national road (RN31), and the A1 motorway. Regarding the rail network, the city of Creil is a significant junction, given its historically active role in this area. It is served by various suburban trains, Transilien services, and Intercités trains. Other communication routes include the river network and the airway, particularly through the proximity of major airports such as Paris CDG.

Concerning urban morphology, the city consists of several neighbourhoods with distinct characteristics. The city centre is unique for being bisected by a river, and it occupies a part of the Saint-Maurice Island. Urbanization projects took place in the 1980s with the "Social Development of Neighbourhoods" project, the "Urban Renewal" project, and the "Urban Social Cohesion Contract". Booking a car service in Paris is a good idea if you want to enjoy Creil.

 

What to visit in Creil ?

Creil is a city steeped in nearly a millennium of history. In addition to this, it has been a critical junction during significant historical periods. Hence, the city possesses considerable historical and cultural heritage.

 

The Royal Castle of Creil

The city features remnants of a castle dating back to at least the 9th century. This building has been the site of several battles throughout history. It was demolished by the Normans before being reconstructed in the 14th century, subsequently becoming a secondary residence of French kings. Currently, only ruins remain, but visitors can imagine the castle's magnificence from its imposing towers.

 

Saint-Médard Church: A Cultural Heritage

The Saint-Médard church has been classified as a French cultural heritage site since 1920. Its construction began in the 13th century. However, it has received various contributions, both architecturally and in terms of content, from different historical periods. Its triangular shape is a unique feature resulting from these contributions. As for the interior, visitors will be astonished by the contrasting styles presented within this medieval building. Indeed, the floor has been designed in a purely Renaissance style. The present bell tower of the church, dating from 1521, stands 34m high. This makes it one of the tallest steeples in the region.

 

The Kiosk: A Temple of Love

One of the most visited heritage sites in Creil is the Kiosk, also known as the "Temple of Love". This pavilion stands out from others due to the ornamental motifs that adorn it. Constructed in 1750, it was built from the leftover stones used for the Boucherie Bridge. Particularly popular with regional visitors and passing lovers, the kiosk has been classified as a historical monument since the 1920s.

 

Rivierre Nail Factory: A Vestige of the City's Industrial Past

A true custodian of the city's former industrial past, the Rivierre Nail Factory is the last nail factory in France. It utilizes a century-old technique that has remained unchanged since its establishment in 1888. Notably, this company has been part of France's "Living Heritage Company" classification since 2007. For tourists, guided tours of the factory are available throughout the year. It's advisable to request a car service to explore every corner of Creil thoroughly.

 

Take a tour of the Château de Creil

The Château de Creil, located in the Oise department, is indeed one of the notable historical and tourist sites in the Hauts-de-France region.




A Rich History

The Château de Creil was built in the 12th or 13th century, showcasing a medieval architectural style that has been preserved until today. This old fortified castle and royal residence have seen a part of it destroyed, but the remaining structure continues to be one of the greatest points of pride in this part of France. The castle of Creil is indeed an essential point of interest to visit when passing through the Oise department. It bears witness to a significant portion of French history. Since 1923, the Château de Creil has been one of France's historical monuments. As of 2018, it has even acquired the “European Heritage Year” label.

 

A Museum in Addition to a Historical Heritage

Today, only the tower of the Château de Creil is accessible. Since 1929, its management has been entrusted to the municipality, which transformed it into a museum. This location houses the Gallé-July Museum. For a small fee, visitors can take a guided tour of the premises. The Château de Creil is open on Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This schedule allows visitors plenty of time to discover and enjoy the many paintings and artworks housed within.

However, I must point out that as of my last training data in September 2021, the specific opening hours, management details, and contents of the museum could have changed. For the most accurate and updated information, I recommend visiting the official website or contacting the Château de Creil directly.

 

Discover the Museum Gallé Juillet in Creil

The Gallé-Juillet Museum, built on the ruins of the Fortified Castle of Creil, is indeed a home to various art collections. It's also classified as a historic monument. Its location near the Oise River is surrounded by a beautiful garden, a reminder of the lifestyle of the provincial bourgeoisie in the 19th century.

In this museum, you can trace the origins of the Creil family from the Revolution to World War I. The rooms have been preserved over time, including the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedrooms. Each room showcases various collections of decorative art, including antique toys, ceramic objects, and works by the artist Emile Gallé, among others.

Highlights include the famous smoking room, a room dedicated to toy collections and children's theater, and more. The museum grounds also provide an idyllic setting for a picnic.

The museum houses a shop for those interested in souvenirs, and it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and thematic events. There is also a workshop for children, allowing parents to enjoy their visit peacefully.

The museum offers 45-minute guided tours from 4 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. The museum is closed on public holidays.

 

 

Book a car service in Paris for Creil's Castle

Creil is a city situated in the Oise department within the Hauts-de-France region. It's a mere 27 km from Parc Astérix and 8.6 km from Château de Chantilly. Notably, Charles de Gaulle Airport is approximately 37.4 km from Creil, while Orly Airport is around 79 km away.