L' Église

No one seems to really know when
l'église was first built. Like so many of the dwellings in the village part of the foundation of the church dates back to Roman times.




Set just out side the village, amongst the hay fields, the little church has been the mainstay of village life for centuries. Just far enough away, so that in times of celebration or in sorrow, the villagers of past, walked the winding path shoulder to shoulder. They followed the happy bride & groom, or the proud parents of a baby about to be christened, or they fell alongside the casket in a funeral procession.




Today the church is used only for such rare occasions or other special events like the odd concert. So getting to see the inside is actually a privilege. The lighting in the interior is very dark, but in the photo below you will have some idea of the vaulted ceilings, painted a beautiful cobalt blue. Perhaps you can just make out the decretive boarders, which are painted in gold with the tiniest amount of red. But what you can not see, unfortunately, are the tiny gold stars that are sprinkled across the blue, like stars in the night sky.





The church has suffered a great deal of damage over the years. Flooding & the damp moist air of a building always closed, has taken it's toll. Last year there was a concert to raise money for repairs. This summer there will be an art show & sale, featuring local artists. I am looking forward to taking part in this festive preservation effort.




Outside, the crowded cemetery dates far back in time, with monuments to families that have lived here for centuries. Oddly enough, in a town that has so many beautiful gardens filled with a perfusion of colorful flowers, the choice of flowers for the cemetery seems to be plastic bouquets.

Location:France