A bit of history: Saclay
Did you know? Saclay has 60 % of natural and agricultural areas and offers plenty to attract visitors who love green spaces. Among the 12 million inhabitants of Île-de-France, many look forward to the weekend as a chance to reconnect with nature. Local agriculture plays an important role here, with numerous direct-sales outlets throughout the town. Saclay’s history dates back to the 12th century, when the town was once the first post station on the road from Paris. Around 1100, Louis VI pacified this region of Hurepoix, then plagued by incessant feudal strife, and incorporated it into the royal domain. Saclay then formed part of the county of Montlhéry and fell under the jurisdiction of the provostship of Châteaufort. In the 16th century, the town was divided into a multitude of secular seigneuries, which were gradually supplanted by the clergy and a Parisian bourgeoisie keen to acquire land. In 1684, Louis XIV had the pond developed to supply the channels carrying water to the Palace of Versailles. Unlike other communes in the canton, the village of Saclay and the hamlet of Villeras grew during the 18th century. Little changed until 1808: small houses and large farms were then clustered around the church. Between 1948 and 1950, the establishment of the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the DGA Essais Propulseurs occupied part of the plateau, which until then had been entirely farmland.
The Saclay plateau and the Greater Paris project
Covering 5,000 hectares, including 3,100 of agricultural land, the Saclay plateau is now a major centre of excellence for innovation and research. Often dubbed the French «Silicon Valley», it brings together universities, grandes écoles, research centres and major companies, accounting for 13 % of France’s research workforce. Notable institutions and organisations based there include the CEA, the SOLEIL synchrotron, as well as companies such as Renault, Danone, Thales, HEC and Polytechnique, all within 20 kilometres of Paris. The Greater Paris project has reinforced this momentum by encouraging the concentration of universities, grandes écoles and private research centres, with the aim of creating a supercluster comparable to that of Cambridge in England. The objective is clear: to boost the region’s momentum and encourage collaboration between higher education, research and business, in the interests of innovation, economic growth and job creation. Ultimately, Metro Line 18 will further enhance the region’s appeal with 35 kilometres of track, serving 14 municipalities – including 7 in Essonne – and featuring 10 new stations between Versailles and Paris-Orly Airport. This new line will also provide quick connections at Massy-Palaiseau with RER lines B and C, at Versailles-Chantiers with RER line C and the Transilien services, and at Orly with the extended Line 14.
