In Coulommiers, right in the heart of Brie, a rare architectural gem in France still stands: The Templar Commandery. Built in the 12th century, this historic site is open to visitors and offers a captivating glimpse into the history of the Order of the Temple.
When we think of the Templars, we imagine armored knights, hidden treasures, and secrets from another era. But beneath these myths lies history—and in Coulommiers, that history is etched in stone. The Templar Commandery, established around 1173, stands as a remarkable example of the Templar order’s presence across France.
Founded in 1119 in Jerusalem, the Order of the Temple— also known as the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ— was initially established to safeguard pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Quickly, these monk-soldiers gained the support of the Pope and the powerful of the time. They evolved into a formidable military force involved in the Crusades, but also developed into a major logistical and financial network. Across Europe, they established commanderies— fortified farms that provided the resources needed to support their campaigns in the East. The Commandery of Coulommiers remains one of the crucial links in the Templar network.
In Coulommiers, the commandery is centered around a spacious rectangular courtyard. Even today, you can still see:
The tithe barn, where harvests and in-kind dues were stored,
An imposing dovecote, a symbol of wealth and prestige,
The commander's residence, the home of the local leader,
A chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, adorned with medieval frescoes.
Each structure had a specific role in managing the estate. Together, they formed a self-sufficient farm complex, designed to produce food, host travelers, collect taxes, and sometimes even serve as a place of spiritual retreat.
This historic site is only accessible to visitors during specific times of the year. The Templar Commandery of Coulommiers welcomes guests from March to October, open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site closes during the winter months, from late October to late February.
And of course, it’s impossible to talk about the Templars without mentioning the legend of the lost treasure, that mythical loot which King Philip the Fair supposedly tried to seize before it vanished into the mists of history… and which, according to some, may still be hidden away in the secret corners of commanderies like the one in Coulommiers. Yes, while the Coulommiers Commandery today is a tranquil place, it’s also shrouded in mystery. Following the abrupt dissolution of the order in 1312, many records went missing, giving rise to countless legends. Some still whisper that the Templars concealed treasures or manuscripts within the walls of their commanderies.
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Location
The Coulommiers Commandery
1 Avenue Foch
77120 Coulommiers
Official website
www.coulommiers.fr
