L’église/The Church

The church, built in the 13 century over an ancient chapel, is dedicated to St Savinien, Patron Saint of the Parish. First Bishop of the town of Sens (Yonne), he was beheaded. His remains were canonised 19th October. Its entrance is classic saintongeais with 5 arches, surrounded by 2 bays. On the first floor, the 3 bays of 2 arches are separated by columns; 2 cornices separate the floors and there, one sees grotesque human masks: men with a bottle; woman’s head; singer; owl with mouse; man with moustache.

Inside, the Virgin Chapel contains 14 statues of biblical people and that of Saint Eutrope (Saintonge evangelist and patron of the diocese), sculptured by a local artist. The remarkable Plantagenet style bell (whose replica is at Buckfast Abbey, England 1) was constructed in the 15th century. Its south facing sentry box served the lookouts up until the last world war.

(Original French text by Robert Orgé)

1) Buckfast Abbay Website : http://www.buckfast.org.uk/