Chalou-Moulineux can be explored through two distinctive themes: the architectural and religious history of its churches, and the connection between ponds and mills in Moulineux. These offer different areas of focus during your stay: historic architectural styles, religious traditions, or a walk to the source of the Chalouette.
Saint-Aignan and Sainte-Apolline
The church of Saint-Aignan and Sainte-Apolline dates from the 12th century. Its portal has a lowered pointed arch; the bell tower is square and has three storeys. The church was consecrated in 1228 and remained a place of worship until 1793. During the Revolution, it was sold as national property and subsequently partially destroyed.
The dates refer to different periods: the 12th century indicates the church’s dating, 1228 is the year it was consecrated, and 1793 marks the end of its use as a place of worship. The nave contains a carved and painted wooden statuette of Saint Aignan, probably dating from the 15th or 16th century. The pilgrimage to the Fontaine Sainte-Apolline dates back to a much earlier period. Saint Apollonia is invoked against toothache because of her martyrdom.
Mills and the history of the name Moulineux
Between 1185 and 1311, the Templars had mills built in Moulineux and operated them; this milling activity gave the village its name. A new building for the Moulin de Moulineux was constructed in 1488. The period from 1185 to 1311 refers to the construction and operation of the Templars’ mills, while 1488 records a later construction date for a single building.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Moulineux estate, which belonged to the Parisian music publisher Monsieur Joubert, included a castle, a pond and a mill. The estate was subsequently converted first into a shoe-dyeing factory and then into a power station. The station supplied lighting for the estate. The history of the estate therefore includes the mill and pond as well as its later commercial uses.
Ponds and the Church of Saint-Thomas
When a dam was built, two ponds were created at the site of Étang et vestiges de l'Église Saint-Thomas-de-Cantorbéry by the Templars. The smaller pond supplied two mills. The remains of the Church of Saint-Thomas-de-Cantorbéry are also beside the pond; it was consecrated in 1228. The remains are still visible there; access conditions may change, so check them before your visit.
The consecration year 1228 applies to two different churches: Saint-Aignan and Sainte-Apolline, and Saint-Thomas-de-Cantorbéry. By the pond, the visible remains belong to Saint-Thomas; the portal and bell tower belong to the church of Saint-Aignan and Sainte-Apolline. This distinction helps you tell the two historic sites apart.
The source of the Chalouette and planning your walk
The source of the Chalouette lies below the village, at the end of the leafy Voie des Hospitaliers. The round trip from the source to Moulineux is about two kilometres and follows a flat, shaded route. This distance provides a practical basis for planning if you would like to include the walk in your stay. Trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Yerres, La Norville, Janvry, Lardy, Angerville, Saint-Pierre-Du-Perray, Saint-Aubin, Lisses.
For the broader travel overview: Essonne.
