In Sainte-Marie-de-Vaux, the millstone quarries are revealed to the public

Long frequented by the residents of Saint-Marie-de-Vaux, the undergrowth of La Chaise du Chasseur has only recently revealed its historical richness. With the support of the Park, the municipality now wishes to promote this exceptional archaeological site, as illustrated by the guided tour on June 15.

In the footsteps of history

Within the Park Meeting and the European Archaeology Days, nearly 30 people participated in a guided tour of the millstone quarries revealed by recent excavations in mid-June. Organized in partnership with the municipality, this friendly event allowed visitors to discover the remains and chat with Jean-Guy Peyrony, head of the excavation.

The interest of the site lies in particular in its artisanal character: in addition to the traces of occupation which provide evidence of a human presence since prehistory until modern times (cut flints, pottery shards, etc.), it would seem that the site was used occasionally for cut millstones at the request of local lords and religious communities. During the last three excavation campaigns, 26 alveoli or remains of millstones have been identified.

Following the site visit, the group met in the room for a two-part conference, presented by Jean-Guy Peyrony and Catherine Faure, a medievalist. The furniture discovered on the site was presented, as well as the extraction methods and tools usedCatherine Faure, a specialist in medieval religious and monastic history, offered insights into the site, in conjunction with the region's local history. The discussions were lively, combining historical anecdotes, technical explanations, and concerns related to understanding this heritage.

A municipal development project

This visit is part of the site promotion policy pursued by the municipality of Sainte-Marie-de-Vaux. Having been involved with scientific teams since the first excavations, the town hall now wishes to make the historical value of the site known to walkers. This is a way of highlighting a heritage that is still largely unknown, while strengthening local attractiveness.

With this in mind, an agreement with the plot owners is currently being considered, to allow private visits. At the same time, discussions are underway regarding the site's signage. To this end, the Park provides its expertise in heritage mediation and consistency with its territorial project.

The mobilization around the Sainte-Marie-de-Vaux millstone quarries illustrates the growing interest of local residents and stakeholders in a heritage that is both discreet and remarkable. Committed to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of its region, the Park intends to support this dynamic over the long term.