Recloses
Recloses is a village in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, about 25 km from Melun and close to Fontainebleau. Evidence from ancient forest shelters suggests the area was inhabited in the Neolithic period. Recloses is first recorded in 1154, and the village had special rights due to damage caused by wild animals from the nearby forest, which the kings hunted.
The Hundred Years' War brought significant hardship, with the village left in ruins until the 1440s, when survivors began returning. Over time, complaints grew about damage from the animals, but despite requests, residents could not hunt them. In 1585, a fire destroyed much of Recloses, which led to further petitions to the king.
By the French Revolution in 1789, Recloses had about 200 households and sent representatives to the assembly in Nemours. Like other towns, it sold church and emigrant lands to raise funds. During this period, Recloses also contributed soldiers to defend the nation.
The village’s Saint-Martin church, named after the 4th-century saint, dates back to the 7th-8th centuries. Expanded in the 13th and 16th centuries, the church contains burial stones and a unique "Mystical Winepress" retable, depicting scenes from Christ’s life and wine-making, symbolizing His sacrifice. This wooden artwork, restored in 1988, is now preserved in the church, which is recognized as a historical monument.