The Isle of France

Sources from old books

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

The ISLE of FRANCE; where are

• Isle of France, — Paris.
• Beauvaisis, Beauvais.
• Valois, Senlis.
• Soissonnois, Soissons.
• Brie, Meaux.
• FRANCE, with its Four Governments (and Provinces therein contained) on this side the Loire; which are
  • • The ISLE of FRANCE, with its parts
      • In the Middle; where are
        • Isle of France,
          • Paris,
          • St. Denis.
        • Valois,
          • Senlis,
          • Crespy in Valois.
      • Towards NORMANDY,
        • Vexin François,
          • Pont Oyse,
          • Maigny,
          • Chaumont, in Vexin.
        • François,
          • St. Germain, in Laye,
          • Poissy,
          • Mante,
          • Meulan,
          • Breux,
          • Monfort l'Amaury.
      • Towards la BEAUCE,
        • Gastinois,
          • Dourdan,
          • Narnours.
        • Hurepoix,
          • Moret,
          • Melun,
          • Corbeil.
      • Towards CHAMPAGNE, Brie Françoise,
        • Menux,
        • Chasteau Thierry.
      • Towards PICARDY,
        • Beauvaisis,
          • Beauvais,
          • Clermont in Beauvaisis.
        • Soissonnois,
          • Soissons,
          • Compeigne,
          • Noyon.
        • Laonnois,
          • Laon,
          • Chauny:

The Isle of FRANCE, made so by the circlings and confluences of the Seine and other little Brooks: It lieth in the heart of all France, where we shall find not only its particular glory, but that of all the Kingdom, to wit, Paris, which for its Riches, Power and number of Inhabitants, may justly contend with any in Europe. It is about 12 miles in circuit, if all the Suburbs are reckoned, and in form rather round than oval; seated on the Seine, and in a Soil so fertil, that not many Cities know so great plenty. It is of no great strength, nor of much consequence in matter of Trade, only contenting themselves with enough to serve the Inhabitants and Court; yet in matter of Coin it giveth rule to all Cities in France, and is another of the three Cities where Exchanges are placed; a convenience for the Nobility, Gentry, and Courtiers, as also for Strangers. The chief ornaments of it are the Palace of the Louvre, so much famoused abroad; besides so many Palaces of the Nobility, amongst the rest that of Luxembourgh, its Palace-Royal, its Church of Nostre Dame, its Ʋniversity, formed by Charlemain in Anno 800, esteemed the first in Europe, containing 55 Colledges, and particularly the Colledge of the Sorbona; also the Halls of Justice, or Courts of Parliament, being as our Courts of Judicature, are all remarkable. Next to this City may be reckoned, 1. St. Dennis, about three miles from Paris, famous for the Sepulchres of the French Kings. 2. Pont-oyse; 3. Meaux; 4. Beauvais, and 5. Soissons. In this Province is the beautiful House and Forest of Fontaine Bleau, built by Henry the Fourth, esteemed not only one of the fairest Palaces in all France, but of Christendom; here is also seated the Royal Mansion of St. Germains and Boys de Vincennes, where the puissant Henry the Fifth finished his days. In this Province is the Dukedom of Valois, whose chief places are Luzarch and Sen-lis: This Country abounds in Vineyards, which yields the sharp Wine called Vin de Paris.