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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Green Cross is a cross of road located in Nesles-la-Vallée, in the east of Val-d'Oise, 200 metres east of the village, on the route of the GR1. Made of limestone, it has a characteristic paw shape, with narrow arms in the centre and widened at the ends, evoking a Maltese cross. Its lower arm, of uniform width, serves as a drum and rests on a square base. This type of cross is emblematic of the French Vexin, although it remains today only 17 or 18 copies in the region.

The Green Cross dates from the 12th century and was classified as historical monuments on February 21, 1907. Stolen on 19 September 1966, it was replaced by a reproduction. Another cross, the Cross of Friches, is located 500 meters east, along the sense in Butter. These crosses often marked paths or places of assembly, reflecting the symbolic and religious importance of medieval channels of communication.

The monument is now owned by the municipality of Nesles-la-Vallée. Its precise location, at the crossroads of the chemin des Bourbottes and the sente au Butre, makes it a historic landmark for hikers and heritage enthusiasts. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm its initial ranking in 1902 (date to be verified, mentioned as approximate), highlighting its role in the local history of Vexin.

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