Sucy-en-Brie, France

Twinning partnership since: 1967
Population: approx. 26.500
Location: Sucy is 17 kilometres southeast of Paris in the Marne Valley. Sucy is a town shaped by agriculture
and especially viticulture.
Region: Ile-de-France
Department: Val-de-Marne
Mayor: Olivier Trayaux
Website:www.ville-sucy.fr/fr
Social Media: www.facebook.com/VilledeSucy

Contact

Contact

Comité de Jumelage
2 Avenue Georges Pompidou
94370 Sucy-en-Brie
Natalie Heys
jumelage[at]ville-sucy.fr
Tel: 01 49 82 24 91

Establishing the partnership

Establishing the partnership

Jean-Marie Poirier was Mayor of Sucy-en-Brie for 43 years and played a key role in promoting the twinning between the two cities. As early as 1964 he sent his then head of administration, General Secretary Jean Fischer, to look for a German twin town. In Bietigheim he was met with open arms, because Mayor Karl Mai had been looking for a suitable French town for a long time, with which Bietigheim could seal friendly ties. Both cities wanted to set an example for Franco-German understanding. The town twinning with Surrey Heath, which created a triangular partnership with greater opportunities for exchange, was also thanks to the initiative of Jean-Marie Poirier.

On June 6, 1967, the partnership was officially sealed.

History

History

The landscape around Sucy was settled early on, as is shown by finds from the Bronze Age. While the geographical name “brie” naturally leads to culinary associations, the actual name of the city goes back to the time when the Romans cleared forests and laid roads here. They called the place "Sulcianum" - Sucy was born. Through donations in the years 629 and 811, private property in Sucy came to the Notre-Dame cathedral chapter in Paris, which then remained landlord and court lord in Sucy for almost 1000 years.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, at the time of the 100 Years War, people suffered from looting and famine. They finally asked King Francois I for permission to protect their city with fortifications. In 1544 the "Sucyciens" received town and market rights. Even today, a large fair in September commemorates the event - and the street “Rue des Remparts” points to the former city wall.

In the 16th to 18th centuries, the Parisian nobility had estates built to escape the city and court life. Four of the former six magnificent buildings still give the cityscape a special shine and are used in a variety of ways. The city’s music school (Conservatoire de musique) ist hosted in the biggest castle of the town, the Sucy Castle; Montaleau Castle houses the district court; the city administration works in Haute Maison Castle and a private church school is housed in Petit-Val Castle. All that remains of the Grand-Val Castle is the manor house, the Ferme du Grand-Val, which today as a cultural centre is always full of life and activity.

The city of Sucy-en-Brie, badly affected by the wars of the Empire, saw its economy transition from agriculture to industry in the middle of the 19th century and gradually gave it its present appearance.

From this ancient and glorious past, the city of Sucy-en-Brie has preserved an important architectural heritage that gives all the charm of this city in the Paris region.

Sucy-en-Brie today

Sucy-en-Brie today

Today Sucy is a city filled with rich cultural life. Painting, pottery, learning languages, singing - the Centre Culturel offers this and much more within its 400-year-old walls. A small but fine museum documents the fascinating history of this place, which was shaped by farmers, craftsmen and winemakers as well as by the splendour of the nobility and its proximity to Paris until the 19th century. Not far from there, the ultra-modern media library offers books, CDs and videos. The art of cantatas and motets is cultivated in the choir of the Saint-Martin church. The Confrérie des Coteaux fraternity is trying to revive the vineyards in Sucy, which were abandoned in the 19th century - the vines are already producing yields on 2.500 square meters. The town hosts 196 active clubs, amongst them, the association for history and archeology, three dance schools, an amateur theatre company, and the town band enriches the cultural offer and invite you to entertainment and socializing.

The “Sucyciens” can also be proud of its carefully planned urban development.

The city has lost its purely rural character due to the construction of the railway and industrialization in the 19th century. Its population has risen from 2.000 at the beginning of the 20th century to over 26.000 today. Nevertheless, Sucy did not become a satellite town of Paris - those responsible have deliberately set limits to the growth in development: Sucy-en-Brie has retained its unmistakable charm.

Attractions

Attractions

The church of St. Martin from the 12th century and numerous castles in the city are among the most important buildings.

Sucy-en-Brie Castle - built in the 17th century by the brother of the great architect of Versailles. Inside, you can admire the ceilings by Charles Le Brun as well as several bedrooms and lounges. The former outbuildings host cultural and shopping facilities. Contemporary art exhibitions take place in the Orangery and the ancient farm building houses the workshop and shop of an artisan chocolate maker.

Parc de Sucy - a spacious green area that is ideal for walks.

Chateau de Haute-Maison - was built in the 17th century and is under momument protection for its facades and roofs.

Fort de Sucy - was built in the second half of the 19th century and is the work of General Séré de Rivières, Grand Master of French fortifications in the Third Republic. Restored today, it is home to several of the city's clubs and is the subject of several guided tours throughout the year.

Saint-Martin Church - considered a historical monument for the choir, transept and bell tower. The church has changed over the centuries. However, it shows a beautiful 12th century bell tower.

Sports and leisure opportunities

Sports and leisure opportunities

Many sports clubs, a swimming pool and a 47-hectare sports and leisure park, hosting football and rugby pitches (one of them artificial) and tennis courts offer a wide range of opportunities for sporting activities. In addition, the forest and extensive parks beckon for walks, fishing in the river or lingering on romantic lakes - around a third of the area of Sucy is beautiful nature.

Judo club: French champion in 2015, 2018 and 2020.

Tennis: Good results in the national league.

Rhythmic gymnastics: French championship; one gymnast competes in the French national team

Volleyball, female handball and rugby have also good results in the national championships.

Partnership connections

Partnership connections

Ellental High Schools
FSV 08 Bissingen
Swabian Albverein
VHS district of Ludwigsburg
Ballet School Labrini Mpartzoka
Judo Club Bietigheim
LG Neckar-Enz
Music school
Catholic Church of the good Shepherd
Visits by delegations from the municipal councils

Photo gallery

Major Holidays

Major Holidays

January 1 (New Year‘s)
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
May 1 (Labour Day)
May 8 (Victory Day)
Ascension of Christ
Whit Monday
July 14 (Bastille Day, national holiday)
August 15 (Assumption of Mary)
November 1st (All Saints' Day)
December 25 (Christmas Day)

Important events

Festival of the game

Festival of the game

The festival of the game takes place in February and shows exhibitions and initiations of various board games.

Popott´truck

Popott´truck

Popott’truck: food truck festival in April and September.

Jardin d´ Artistes

Jardin d´ Artistes

On the first weekend of June, the city organizes Jardin d’Artistes, an exhibition showcasing the works of young local artists.

Festival of Associations

Festival of Associations

Every second Sunday in September the city celebrates the Festival of Associations.

Flea market

Flea market

At the end of September, a big flea market is organized in the streets of the town centre every year.

Marne Festival

Marne Festival

The Marne Festival, in October, crosses several towns in Val-de-Marne and offers several concerts.

Christmas market

Christmas market

A Christmas market is organized on the second weekend of December in the main castle and around the town.