Malay-Le-Grand: Church, Bell Tower and Washhouse

Malay-Le-Grand has several distinctive landmarks: Saint-Martin Church with its square bell tower, a communal washhouse on the Vanne, and picnic areas by the weir and in the municipal park. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Malay-Le-Grand, these details give you an idea of what defines the town beyond its accommodation. Its architectural history, riverside location, and picnic spots each offer a different perspective. You can consider whether you are especially interested in historic architecture, finding your way around the area, or places to take a break outdoors.

Saint-Martin Church: Tower, Reconstruction, and Bells

The square bell tower of Saint-Martin was built between 1538 and 1540. Sturdy buttresses flank the tower. These projecting masonry supports are an architectural feature that shapes its exterior. So, when considering the church, its specific form is as interesting as its construction date: the square structure and sturdy supports give it a clearly defined shape.

The present-day Saint-Martin Church was rebuilt in 1865 in the Gothic Revival style of the 13th and 14th centuries. Two different time references are involved: 1865 marks the reconstruction, while the centuries indicate the stylistic inspiration. Gothic Revival draws on older Gothic forms. Looking at the building’s history, you can distinguish the later construction phase of the present-day church from its earlier stylistic model, rather than confusing the two dates.

The old bell tower houses two bells. The older one dates from 1538 and is listed in the inventory of historic monuments. Its date falls within the tower’s construction period, which ran from 1538 to 1540. The shared year provides a specific point of comparison between the tower and the bell; the present-day church was rebuilt much later. The inventory listing adds a heritage-protection aspect to the oldest bell’s history.

Washhouse on the Vanne

The communal washhouse is on Rue Pasteur, on the left bank of the Vanne, and was restored in 2019. It is easy to reach from Place du Lavoir. Several specific details help you find it: the street name, the riverbank, and the named access point. If you want to include the washhouse in your stay, you can use Place du Lavoir as a reference point, then locate it via Rue Pasteur and the left bank of the Vanne.

As a communal washhouse, it offers a different point of interest from Saint-Martin Church. The church is notable for its tower shape, construction phases, and bells; for the washhouse, its location and access are especially helpful for finding your way. Its 2019 restoration adds a more recent date to the church’s older architectural history. Together, the two sites offer different perspectives on local buildings and their history.

Picnic Spots by the Weir and in the Municipal Park

The picnic area by the weir is in the center of Malay-le-Grand, right next to the weir and the fish ladder. A fish ladder allows fish to pass a weir, making it another clear landmark by the water. In the municipal park, a picnic area offers a view of the church tower. There are two shaded tables beneath large trees.

The location details can help you choose between picnic spots based on what matters more to you: the spot right next to the weir and fish ladder, or the shaded tables with a view of the church tower. The descriptions highlight different features without implying a set order for visiting them. Details about picnic facilities can change, so check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Vareilles, Jully, Thorigny-Sur-Oreuse, Pourrain, Chassignelles, Saint-Agnan, Brienon-Sur-Armançon, Malay-Le-Petit

For the broader travel guide: Yonne.