Marolles

The origin of the name Marolles comes from a derivative of the word "mer", "mare" or "mais", related to marshes. In the 12th century, the name was written "Marollac" or "Marollea".
In 1336, in a deed of gift from the diocese of Chartres, the parish name is written "Mesrolles". Until the 18th century, the name of our commune was "Marolles-les-Blanches", probably in connection with the convent located in the house known today as Closerie.
Marolles is part of the arrondissement of Blois, the canton of Onzain, and the Agglopolys agglomeration community. With its nature reserve and rural character, it is the "green lung" of the community.
The commune covers an area of 988 hectares; 747 inhabitants were counted in 2012. The settlement is grouped into three units: the town, Villemalard, and a small part of the hamlet of Villerogneux, shared with Villerbon.
Until the 19th century, Marolles was a wine-growing commune, renowned for its "gros noir", a wine appreciated by Parisian merchants. Phylloxera wiped out most of the vines, and the events of the 20th century did nothing to encourage the return of this production.
The people of Marolles are nicknamed "red ants" by those familiar with the village's history. This was the name given to the inhabitants of Villebarou, who were poor and worked hard to survive. The color red also reflects the commune's rather left-wing Republican leanings. It's also said to have been the battle name of the boys from Marolles when they competed with the black fleas of Villebarou for the prettiest girls in the country (who were from Marolles, of course...).

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