Mairie de Payns

Payns is a rural village of around 1,300 inhabitants in the Seine valley, 10 km from Troyes.

Payns is a village located a dozen kilometers from TROYES, on the left bank of the Seine and on the banks of the Tirva. The Canal de la Haute Seine also runs alongside the village.
Gallic and Roman coins and artefacts testify to their presence in the area. The Gallic road reused by the Romans gave rise to the village. This is the present-day Riot road. In April 820, a certain Hildemar gave Arreman, founder of the Montiéramey Abbey, some land located "in villa Pedemmagio" not far from Troyes. This term designated a place inhabited by pagans at Paganis, and gave the name of the village Payens, then around 1810: Payns.

In the Middle Ages, Payns was a relatively important locality, becoming chief town of the Châtellerie des Contes de Champagne in the 13th century.
Around 1070, Hugues de Payns was born in Payns, an acquaintance of the Count of Champagne who took part in the First Crusade and, around 1119, founded an order of soldier-monks to defend the Crusaders in the Holy Land: the Knights Templar. A Templar commandery was established in Payns on land near Pavillon-Sainte-Julie.
The fortified castle next to the church was completely destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, then rebuilt in the 16th century. We have no plans or pictures of this castle, but we do know that it was imposing, with high walls flanked by towers. It was destroyed again in 1590 during the Wars of Religion, and its last lord Jean Dauvet undertook an interminable lawsuit against the city of Troyes, which was responsible for the capture and demolition of the château.

The Revolution took place in Payns without any significant events. The first mayor of Payns elected in 1792 was Pierre VILLOTE. At that time, there were 12 hosiery factories, 18 looms and 15 people employed in wool and cotton spinning. In the 19th century, two fairs were held in Payns, one at the end of March and the other at the end of September.

The fast-growing commune boasts a rich community fabric
Recently, the town council set up a car park near the Stade Robert Gueux for those wishing to carpool.

source : www.troyes-champagne-métropole.fr