Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Montgeroult

The church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Montgeroult is a Catholic parish church located in Montgeroult, in the Val-d'Oise region of the Île-de-France. Founded probably around 1070, the church depended on the abbey of Saint-Denis throughout the Ancien Régime. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the local tradition that a monastery was associated with the church before the castle was built, nor is the church the former chapel of the castle. For such a small building, its architecture is of a very high standard, and its chancel even has galleries that were once open to the roof. The six eastern bays were built in three campaigns between about 1190 and 1240, and reflect the different stages of development of Gothic architecture, until the appearance of the Radiant Gothic style, which appears on the upper floor of the bell tower. The base of the bell tower uses pillars that predate all the rest, and the triumphal arch opening onto the nave makes it possible to date these elements to the beginning of the parish. The short nave and its two aisles are the most recent parts. Built around 1570 / 1590, they bear the marks of the Renaissance style, and take up characteristics of certain works of the architect Nicolas Le Mercier, from Pontoise. As early as 1640, the western facade was rendered obsolete by its enclosure in the castle park. In 1714, the addition of a porch in front of the south portal damaged the frieze of the Apostles, one of the jewels of the church. It has been classified as a historical monument since April 8, 1941, and is now affiliated with the parish of Avernes et Marines. Sunday masses are now celebrated only four times a year.