Villemaréchal
Villemaréchal is a small village of around 850 people located in the Gâtinais region, between the Orvanne and Lunain valleys. The area has a long history, dating back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by Neolithic tools found nearby. Ancient pottery and roof tile fragments suggest there might have been a Gallo-Roman villa near the present water tower.
The village’s name likely originates from "Villa Mascharad," the estate of an early landowner. Over time, the village grew and began iron production, using local iron ore during both the Middle Ages and World War I.
During the Hundred Years’ War in 1360, Villemaréchal was the scene of a battle known as the "Affaire de Villemaréchal." French knights tried to drive out English soldiers stationed at the local fortress, but they were defeated and captured. Centuries later, during the religious wars, mercenaries and local thieves clashed, with one group eventually taking refuge in Villemaréchal's castle before being forced to surrender.
The village faced more hardship during the Napoleonic Wars and was required to pay a large sum following France’s defeat in 1870-71. During World War I, 39 locals lost their lives. Basic services, like piped water and electricity, only became available in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Today, traces of this long history remain, such as the 13th-century church, the ruins of the Tournelles fortress, and the old oil mill, which is still operational on special occasions.