Brie-Comte-Robert is the former capital of French Brie. There is a double origin of the city’s name. “Brie” comes from the Gaulish word briga (hill). The Cont Robert is Robert of Dreux, French king Louis the 7th’s brother, who owned the city in the 12th century.
In 1136, the king of France Louis the 6th, gives the seigneury of Brie to his son Robert the first, who build a first tower, and the, a donjon, to protect the road to Paris.
Saint-Etienne church
The church was built, in the 12th century, on the location of the early middle age cemetery, near the primitive church. This imposing rectangular building presents, on his northern angle, an empty church tower, permitting light to come trough.
The church has an interesting glass. A 13th century rose represents, at its periphery, the activities of the year around.
The high windows are glassed with bishop’s pictures from the 14th century, and some lateral chapels still have their original glass.
The organ has kept its bellow from the 17th century and a part of its positive. These two pieces, unique in the department, are considered as historic monuments. Partly restored, this organ allowed hearing some good concerts.
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The old castle
The old castle of Brie was built in the end of the 12th century by Count Robert the first of Dreux, Louis the 7th’s brother and Philippe-Augusts’ uncle. Archeological surveys led by volunteers since 1982, bring a progressive knowledge of the original plan, and of the history and evolution of the lord’s home, where lived and died the queen Jehanne of Evreux in the 14th century.
An exhibition of the site is opened every Sunday afternoon (except when the weather is bad). Free entrance.
The Hôtel-Dieu
The gothic façade, bordering, the Halles street, and the northern angle, are witnesses of the reception room, built in the 12th century by Robert the 2nd of Dreux to welcome tired travelers going to Brie’s markets.
This building, transformed several times, receives a chapel, dedicated to Saint-Eloi. It lost its arches in 1830. A very good restoration has been done. It permits his monuments to be saved for many years. The first floor has been rebuilt, giving the Hôtel-Dieu his original volume.
A small medieval garden has been realized, with aromatic and therapeutic herbs. It permits an access to the exhibition room, handled modernly, but respecting archeological traces.