Flagy
Flagy is a small historic village located 10 km south of Montereau-Fault-Yonne, France. Established as a fortified site in 1130 by King Louis VII, Flagy was built with a rectangular layout featuring seven parallel streets crossing the Orvanne River via bridges. The river’s flow was redirected to supply water to the village, and wells were installed in each street to provide drinking water, some of which remained in use until 1960. The village’s historic mill, constructed in the 13th century, still stands and represents the traditional architecture of the time.
Flagy’s underground passages, accessible on heritage days, linked storage cellars and served as refuges during invasions. The church, built between 1180 and 1225, has a unique weather vane featuring a rooster and a pig's head—a reminder of a local legend from the time of the Black Plague. Villagers from nearby areas sought help in Flagy but were turned away, allegedly leading to a symbolic punishment from the bishop.
Historically, Flagy thrived with fairs, markets, and a mix of local artisans, including blacksmiths, carpenters, and tailors. However, events like the Hundred Years’ War and the plague diminished its prosperity. The village experienced gradual modernization in the 20th century, with electricity, running water, and telephone access expanding. Today, with improved transportation, Flagy has become popular among new residents from nearby Paris, leading to new housing developments around the traditional village.