Saint-Martin-en-Bière
Saint-Martin-en-Bière is a village in Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, near the Gâtinais region and close to both Melun and Fontainebleau. It has deep historical connections with Saint Martin, a famous Christian figure.
Martin was born around 316 in Hungary and joined the Roman army, where he served for about 25 years. Known for his compassion, he famously cut his cloak in half to share with a poor man in Amiens. Later, he left the military to become a monk and eventually became the Bishop of Tours. Martin dedicated his life to spreading Christianity and helping the poor. He traveled widely until his death in 397, becoming a beloved figure throughout Gaul.
The history of Saint-Martin-en-Bière is also marked by its forests. Known as “Biera Sylva” around the year 1000, the area housed a statue of Saint Martin. A fortress was built here in the 4th century but was destroyed, along with a church built in 1120, during the Hundred Years’ War. The lands of Saint-Martin passed through noble families over centuries, eventually combining the villages of Macherin and Forges into a single commune in 1789. The first mayor, Nicolas Roux, was elected in 1790.