Saint-Julien-les-Villas

The commune was formerly known as Sancey before becoming Saint-Julien because of the relics of St Julien de Brioude kept in the church. Its inhabitants are still called the “Sancéens”. The name “les villas” was added in 1919 to reflect the many holiday homes that had been built there since the 18^th century. Its history is closely linked to the Seine river and its many diversions (the magnificent hydraulic work carried out under the Counts of Champagne).

During this walk, you will experience and enjoy a true sense of peace. Soak up these special moments, take advantage of this cultural break to recharge your “chakras” with positive energy, and remember these bucolic spots so you can leave the place full of optimism, like Emile Coué, from Troyes, did before you.

This treasure hunt is very similar to the WW2 memorial trail set up by the Saint-Julien Town Hall (departure from the outlet centre Marques Avenue car park – next to Lagoa Spa). Some of the questions will use the labels from this trail. At certain points, you will have to cross the road, so please be careful and vigilant. So, are you ready to set off and discover the treasures of Saint-Julien-les-Villas?

Enjoy your discovery walk, pay attention to the details, you can do it!

Another award can be seen on this façade: the “Marianne d’Or du civisme” (Golden Marianne for Good Citizenship) (Regional elections of 2010).

Its purpose is to promote civic-mindedness by communicating about a certain number of principles (rights, duties, etc.) to all citizens.

Marianne, with her Phrygian cap, embodies the French Republic and its values, summed up in its motto “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”). She is the symbol of France.

At the back of the Town Hall is the amphitheatre of the former heritage centre (“Maison du Patrimoine”). Visible from the outside is a magnificent medieval rib-vaulted cellar. Originally built in Pavillon-Sainte-Julie, where the Payns Commandery had a second home, this cellar was put up for sale at the end of the 20^th century, dismantled, bought by the municipality of Saint-Julien and then rebuilt stone by stone. It is now used as a venue for weddings held in the commune.

Photo credit : © D. Le Nevé

Take the footbridge towards the large white building. Built between 1935 and 1937, the silos were very important to the armies as they contained tonnes of goods that could feed their men.

Deported to Buchenwald on the 27^th of June 1943 at the age of 19, he was a member of the French Liberation Action Brigade and he took part in the liberation of the camp on the 11^th of April 1945. Throughout his life, his message was: “Young people, may you always have a sense of humanity, without which everything can begin again; it is the only thing that can stand in the way of barbarity.”

Photo from the “Memory Lane”

You have now reached the end of this walk. We hope that your discovery of Saint-Julien-les-Villas has enabled you to discover the keys to a fascinating and little-known history. Don’t hesitate to try the other treasure hunts in the other villages of Troyes La Champagne, and if you would like to suggest any new questions or quizzes, the Troyes La Champagne Tourism team will be happy to help.

À très bientôt pour de nouvelles aventures.

Photos credits : © NV – Troyes La Champagne Tourisme (unless stated otherwise)