Association « Companions of the church of Vailly »
Save, restore, maintain our heritage, transmit our rural and sacred heritage.
FRANÇAIS ST-MARTIN END XI-DEBUT XII HEADQUARTERS
VALLY-SUR-SAULDER – VILLAGE OF THE FORT COUNTRY
The Pays-Fort is a region forming the upper part of the north-east quarter of the Cher department and a small part of the Loiret; It is located between the Sancerrois and the Sologne, with in the north the Loiret and the Puisaye and in the south, the Terres du Haut Berry.
The name Pays-Fort, the natural region where Vailly-sur-Sauldre is located, comes from the contrasting nature of its lands with the surrounding regions. The most common explanation: The country Fort, the region, which is a hilly grove, is characterized by rich soil, fertile and conducive to agriculture and livestock. The land is often composed of clay and limestone and owes its name to « Land in love » because it tends to stick to shoes in wet weather.
Vailly-sur-Sauldre is often considered the historic capital of this territory, which is also famous for its Pyramidal Grange, a rural architectural emblem.
Church and Heritage
The church of Saint Martin stands in the heart of the village of Vailly-sur-Sauldre, radiating on the Fort Country for nearly a thousand years. Its architecture, chapels, objects and unique facade embody the history and identity of the territory, welcoming faithful and visitors in an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. Symbols, anecdotes and transmissions are shared here, illustrating the heritage and collective richness of a place open to all, dedicated to the memory, spirituality and valorization of local heritage.
Church History
The Saint Martin church, built at the end of the 11th century and redesigned over the centuries, represents a living witness to the heritage of Vailly-sur-Sauldre. Built in red-brown sandstone, it has traversed history by welcoming faithful, inhabitants and visitors, at the rhythm of bells and community gestures. Its architecture, façade and evolution illustrate the local history, between spirituality, tradition and evolution of the village of the Fort Country
The remarkable elements
In the heart of St Martin's Church, every stone, every object bears witness to a precious heritage. The facade with the motto « Freedom, Equality, Fraternity »dedicated chapels, informative desks, stained glass windows and sculptures make this building an exceptional site. Visitors discover a unique mosaic of art, history and symbols, linked to village life and past generations.
Association The Companions of the Church of Vailly
The association The Companions of the Church of Vailly brings together inhabitants, friends of the heritage and passionate around the same objective: to safeguard, restore and make live the Church of Saint Martin, true soul of the village. With the support of the commune, the parish community and many volunteers, it has multiplied its actions to protect this architectural gem and pass on its history to future generations.
Committed daily, the association organizes events, research, guided tours, works and fundraising campaigns. Open to all, it embodies the spirit of self-help, the valorisation of local heritage and the transmission of knowledge.
🙌 They're with us.
