- The birth of Epesses:
- From 884, found in some texts, the existence of a church of Santa Maria de Spisis, latin word meaning "Thorns" (filled) or by analogy with the name Les Epesses and its inhabitants Spicéens. The first church built on the site of the nave of the present church was owned by the Benedictine abbey of Vézelay.
- In 1050, a priory always dependent on these Benedictines of Vézelay, is based in a place called Bellevue - Priouté way, above the village of Epesses.
- The influence of the Puy du Fou:
- The history and evolution of the city are strongly linked to the castle of Puy du Fou, in the commune of Epesses, earth home entertainment cinéscénique known worldwide.
- A few hundred meters from the current Renaissance castle, the remains of a former medieval castle are still visible. He quickly formed the 12th and 13th centuries, near the castle, a settlement called Bourg-Bérard, composed of farmers, artisans, and servants and soldiers of the castle.
- But then, the lords of the Puy du Fou wanted away and did build this population (around 1400), the site of the present city of Epesses near the Chapel of St. John and the existing parish church in part, a large number of houses, to accommodate the inhabitants of Bourg-Berard.
- After the destruction of the medieval castle by British troops during the Hundred Years War, came the construction of the present castle Renaissance, as well as the expansion of the church Epesses (1600-1620).
- The Revolution
- We are in the revolutionary period and throughout the countryside, experienced abuses, looting, killings especially in 1793/1794 with the onslaught of the infernal columns Turreau. On January 26, 1793 column came specially from Cholet to "revolutionize" the town of Epesses.
- Highlights: The castle was burned this year, and only the left wing was spared by the fire. The church was declared a Epesses National (it served as a warehouse) remained intact. One of the last battles of the Vendée wars took place in the woods between Les Epesses and Puy du Fou, and turned to the advantage of the Vendee, it was in November 1799. A refractory priest, Father Chaplain, who was hiding in a hollow tree was discovered and executed by revolutionaries. A stained glass window in the church of Saint Hilaire de Mortagne commemorates martyr priest.
- Economic development:
- From 1840, major works were undertaken for the creation and improvement of roads. It is from this date that the Present road was established. It follows the development of economic and commercial activity, especially towards Cholet. Intense activity of weaving was practiced in most homes and especially in the cellars of the street paver and Upper Village. It wove cloth for handkerchiefs, shirts and linen (linen and cotton), flax is grown and spun even in the countryside.
- Industrial activity is also prominent at this time on the Sevre through hydropower.
- Agricultural activity grows with access to important fairs like Cholet.
- Other notable step: The completion of the railway line in 1914. The line was opened a few days before the great war of 14/18.
- Despite successive wars, especially World War so cruel to Les Epesses - 110 entered the war memorial, industrial activity, agricultural, craft has developed since World War II.
- And now, a new asset for tourism. A new stage in the history of the city with the cinéscénique show Puy du Fou Grand Parc and. He must have seen the show at night, masterpiece, to the glory of those who are making history, to understand and appreciate the energy, tenacity and rigor of the inhabitants of the region, although very attached to their roots, know to look to the future. Boldness and wisdom, is the motto of the city ...
- The arms:
- The arms of Épesses emblazon: Coupe: In 1: mid-party, the first gules three twins raised money and two, the second gold double heart Gules. 2nd: Golden oak tree eradicated Vert.
- The first party takes over the family coat of arms of the Puy du Fou. The dual-core Vendée indicates the attachment of the common Vendée. Original oak recalls the etymology of the name of the town comes from the Latin Epesses spissis. The motto means Boldness and wisdom.