Vière à Ongles website

Old Ongles - Site of Vière reached its peak in the 13th century thanks to the expansion of the town, economic development, and the strengthening of defensive structures. Following the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, these structures were probably destroyed using explosives. The goal was to render them unusable. The dismantling of the village was a major shock in the history of Old Ongles. The inhabited parts were spared. Indeed, the civilian village was beginning to move towards the hamlet of La Fontaine, abandoning the secluded position of Old Ongles.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the village was rebuilt with increased agricultural activity. The rubble produced with the demolition of the village provided excellent material for the construction of agricultural terraces (olive groves, ploughing). The houses then functioned as small, independent farms.

However, the 19th century was marked by the definitive abandonment of the habitat.

In the 20th century, the site was abandoned following the First World War and the rural exodus. Since then, ruins have spread, combined with the invasion of vegetation.

The commune of Ongles, with the support of the Fondation du patrimoine, is launching an appeal for donations to safeguard the site of Vière à Ongles, a jewel of local history. https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/les-projets/site-de-viere-a-ongles