Saint-Ay is a commune in the Loiret department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region, 14 km south-west of Orléans.
Its territory of 10 km² borders the right bank (north) of the Loire. Although belonging to the living area of Orléans, the locality has preserved a rural environment, revealing itself as a small town in the countryside. Saint-Ay is indeed still two-thirds covered with arable and cultivated land.
Initially a simple fishing village where Saint Ay, former viscount of Orléans who had been converted (6th century) was buried, the small town developed by welcoming an abbey of Cistercian nuns on the hamlet of Voisins, north of the town.
Shared between several seigniories, appreciated by celebrities (Rabelais stayed there), Saint-Ay which suffered damage during the Hundred Years War then the War of Religion changed its face in 1781. On this date, previously located on the south of the Loire, the new royal road linking Orléans to Blois is built on the north bank and crosses the village. Later, it will be a national road (today RD 2152). A post office was set up there in 1786.
In the 20th century, viticulture disappeared then, from the 1970s, housing estates boosted the population.
Nowadays, the town has nearly 3400 inhabitants. In addition to its heritage, it has a varied leisure offer, not to mention the assets of the river that borders it...
In terms of heritage, there are only a few testimonies of the former Voisins abbey. Founded in the 13th century, it had reached its peak around 1350. Benefiting from the protections and donations of the kings of France (who liked to hunt in the surrounding woods) and the nobles of the region, its land holdings were considerable despite the harshness of daily life. nuns who took a vow of poverty there. Its decline began in the 16th century with the regime of commendation, the abbesses appointed by the king being therefore more greedy for finances than for devotion. The Wars of Religion accentuated these difficulties, and in the 18th century, even before the Revolution, there were only a few nuns left. The convent was closed in 1778. Partly dismantled in the 19th century, all that remains of the abbey is the Château des Voisins, the former home of the abbess. Having become a "castle", the building was remodeled several times, knowing many owners. In the 2010s, part of its park was converted into a "herboretum" by an association. Unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public.
A few rare other vestiges of the abbey remain: Louis XIII style window lintels on private houses along the main road, pillars with sculpted capitals reinstalled in the parish church, a large cross in the cemetery...
To be seen next, the Saint-Ay church, which preserves the relics of the saint whose life is traced in the stained glass windows. Dating for its oldest parts from the end of the 12th century, the church comprising three naves is still partly equipped with wooden vaults and mullioned bays at the level of the choir. Listed in the Inventory, the church also houses a Merovingian sanctuary, quality paintings (copies of famous masters). It was restored in 1852.
We can then observe the manor of Les Moulins, in the place called l'Evêché, to the north-east of the town, on the banks of the Loire. The estate belonged until the Revolution to the bishops of Orléans, who also owned vines there. The mansion, initially a simple resting place, became over the centuries an elegant residence. However, the wars caused damage and the house and its wings had to be rebuilt several times. The current building dates for its oldest parts from the 17th century. In 1763, the manor was ceded (but a tax to be paid to the diocese remained attached to it). Nowadays, the property is still private. From the terrace, when the sky is favorable, you can see the towers of the cathedral of Orléans.
To see again, the Rabelais fountain, facing the Loire, where the writer liked to settle when he stayed in the village… He would have written part of the Third Book of Pantagruel there between 1543 and 1545.
Finally, let's mention some elegant municipal buildings (schools, town hall, etc.), reflections of the architecture of the 19th century and the then booming prosperity of the village...
On the cultural side, the municipal library regularly offers activities (readings, workshops, etc.). Inquire on +33 2 38 66 46 41. As for the François Villon room, there are programmed association events, shows, but also, every second Tuesday of the month from October to April, film screenings. Information on +33 2 38 88 44 44.
For sports enthusiasts, many facilities are available in the locality, including tennis courts to be reserved with the club on +33 6 78 13 45 29.
Just enjoy the green environment and the banks of the Loire. Note that fishing is possible from the banks of the river: find out beforehand about the regulations and the suitable sites on +33 7 68 06 17 47.
For hiking enthusiasts (pedestrian or two-wheeled), note that outings are organized by the walking club (contact +33 6 13 41 35 41) and marked trails or secure routes cross the town, along the Loire or along the hillsides. The opportunity to discover the natural sites protected in particular because of their landscape and ornithological richness. Finally, we will not forget the potential of the European cycle route of the Loire by bike located on the opposite bank.
For hikers, maps and information on +33 2 38 24 05 05.
On Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., a market is held in the town hall square which highlights the rich terroir of the Loire Valley.
First Sunday in March, Book Fair.
The first weekend of September, town festival with picnic on the banks of the Loire, games for children, torchlight procession, concert, ball, fireworks.
The second Sunday of October, flea market.
