Flagy is a commune of Seine-et-Marne, in the Ile-de-France region, 25 km south-east of Fontainebleau, on the borders of the department of Yonne.
Crossed by the course of Orvanne which was diverted and arranged to supply the village in water, of an area of 7 km², the territory includes a wooded hill lined with various massifs of sandstone whose culminating point is at 150 m of 'altitude. Tools that belonged to the Neanderthals were discovered there, as well as elements of Neolithic pottery, currently in storage at the Museum of Prehistory of Nemours.
The village itself was founded in the twelfth century by King Louis VII whose estate adjoined these lands. It was then fortified but there is nothing left of the ramparts.
However, Flagy was famous for its mills and springs, evidence of a certain prosperity.
The picturesque heritage and cultural vitality of this town of about 700 inhabitants and its green environment make it a pleasant stopover between Île-de-France and Burgundy, on the edge of the forest of Fontainebleau.
A discovery of the heritage of Flagy can begin with its parish church dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, whose oldest parts date back to the 13th century. Its nave is composed of two ships (one is central, the second one to the south), but alas, of its original tower-tower, it remains only the south facade, endowed with two bays campanaires and topped with a small steeple, and a turret with loopholes sheltering a staircase.
The building protected as historical monuments has inside vaults (cradle or with broken arches) and noble furniture (high altar, wooden pulpit of the eighteenth, altarpiece). Finally, we notice that the weather vane of the church carries two symbols: a cock, which is usual, and a pig, which is much more singular. According to a local legend, this symbolizes a punishment inflicted by the bishop after the villagers had refused access from their hotel-god (hospital) to residents of the area victims of the plague during the Hundred Years War.
To see then, the mill whose origin goes back to the foundation of the village (XIIIe). Its paddle wheel was formerly moved by the water of the Orvanne. It was replaced by a turbine in the nineteenth century. Returned to service during the Second War (unbeknownst to the occupants), restored in the 1960s, this style building is now dedicated to the hotel industry.
At a place called Guemery, a farm succeeded a Gallo-Roman villa, then in the late nineteenth century was erected a manor house that belonged in the 1960s to actor Pierre Dux, administrator of the Comédie Française.
Located on the hillside beyond the Orvanne, the castle of Bellefontaine is an area that already existed in the thirteenth century. It has been reworked many times, adjoins a farm, and has changed owners several times since the late nineteenth century but its silhouette remains impressive.
For nature lovers, the hill overlooking the village (at the top of which a magnificent panorama rewards the brave!), The wooded areas, the banks of the Orvanne are pleasant landscapes for a hike. The trails will be an opportunity to appreciate the small bridges spanning the river, fountains and numerous wells on the territory.
More surprising, we will also take advantage of a step in Flagy to observe vineyard plots recently replanted by enthusiasts while waiting for the wine to be produced on these lands again...
Maps and information for hikers +33 1 60 39 60 39.
As for fishing enthusiasts, they can enjoy the Orvanne and the small canal. Contact +33 1 60 96 63 06 for regulations.
Finally, on the cultural level, note that the village library regularly organizes workshops and reading sessions for babies and children. Information on +33 1 64 69 19 64.
End of April, flea market.
In June and July, Friday evening, aperitif concert.
August 15, meal of the festival committee.
The last weekend of August, the festival Paradisio is devoted to the cinema of heritage with the program number of projections, exhibitions of posters and rare objects of the 7th art, conferences.
In September, concerts in the church.
In October, barter plants.
In December, exhibition of the association Fil au Rêve (arts and crafts).
