VillersCotterêts

Villers-Cotterêts is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. It is located about 20 kilometers west of Château-Thierry and 50 kilometers northeast of Paris. The town is situated within the Forêt de Retz, a large and historic forest. Historically, Villers-Cotterêts was known for its royal château. Francis I was born there in 1494. The Ordonnance de Villers-Cotterêts, signed in 1539, is a significant legal document that mandated the use of French in all legal and administrative acts, a pivotal moment in the standardization of the French language.

The economy of Villers-Cotterêts has traditionally been linked to forestry and agriculture. In more recent times, it has developed some light industry. The town serves as a local administrative and commercial center for the surrounding area. Its strategic location, relatively close to Paris, has also contributed to its development.

The Forêt de Retz is a prominent feature of the landscape around Villers-Cotterêts, offering opportunities for recreation and contributing to the local environment. The town itself possesses a few historical buildings and a church, reflecting its long history. It remains a community with a connection to its past, particularly its linguistic and royal heritage, while also functioning as a modern French commune.

---