VILLAINES LES ROCHERS…
The basket making village.

The commune's lands consist of plateaux and steep-sided-valleys. Numerous troglodytic caves dwellings have been hollowed out of the soft tufa rock that forms the valley sides. More than a thousand of these sites are said to exist. This rustic marriage of land and settlements gives Vilaines its unique character. Since the High Middle Ages, the inhabitants of the village have focused almost exclusively on wickerwork and basket making.

Landscapes:

Archaeology:

Underground refuges, including those in the small Jolivet valley at la Motte (near to the girls' school) and at Vaugelé, are evidence of former settlements in "the caves" where the population lived right through to the 18th century. To the northwest of the commune, it is still possible to follow the route of the great Chinon-Tours Gallo-Roman road.

Architecture:

Troglodytic dwellings range from the simple "tuffe" cave to complete underground houses consisting of several rooms, (store rooms and workshops). Some of these houses are still in permanent use and others are highly sought-after second homes.
The 12th century church was rebuilt in the 18th century. There is a remaining example of 10th century brickwork in small bond at the base of the church tower and the apse.

Basket making:

Willow has been grown in the area since the 8th century, due to the wetness of the valleys and the favourable working conditions (in caves with consistent hydrometry and temperatures). This cottage industry was organised into a cooperative by Abbé Chicoisne in 1849.
Originally, the aim was to produce winnowing baskets and other baskets needed by countryfolk for their daily activities, followed by items for butchers and bakers. Since the1950s, the industry has also embraced the fields of furniture and decoration. The current trend is for a return to the production of utilitarian items in a purer and more traditional style.
This villlage is well worth a detour as it has managed to preserve its authenticity and still allows us a glimpse of what life was like in its fascinating past.

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