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14th century church 100 km
(63 miles) from Montpellier
Location
This edifice dominates the picturesque square of a village, rich in building and environmental heritage, situated 100 km (63 miles) from Montpellier, 30 km (19 miles) from Millau (A75 10 km/6 miles away), between the Grands Causses and the Cévennes areas
Description
Dedicated to St Jacques, the church was built in the 14th century as the main parish church. However, the French revolution and its consequences were to force the congregation to choose between preserving this religious building or consecrating the 12th century chapel of the now evicted Benedictines. General opinion led to the adoption of the Romanesque building to the detriment of the one in question. Consequently, far from its original purpose, this church was transformed into a sheepfold at the beginning of the 19th century.
This edifice is interesting from numerous architectural points of view.
Firstly, its construction which was inspired by the local Causses buildings. This solid limestone structure, topped by a low, “lauze” stone slab roof, was obviously built in line with regional building methods.
Then, there is the subtle balance between the rusticity of the outside and the richness of the inside. This forum is of a superb flamboyant gothic style: the crossing of the arches, the capitals are adorned with finely wrought foliated scrolls, the windows were subjected to a rich and inspired treatment, the choir harboured a sculpted tetramorph with corbelling in which it is still possible to admire the delicacy of its angel (St Mathew). Traces of polychromy, probably more advanced during the Renaissance period, are also still visible, notably in a particularly outstanding chessboard pattern fresco that has avoided the layers of a rural 19th century.
The addition of extensive flooring supported by large stone arches at the beginning of the 19th century was intended to be used as part of the church’s new function. It, nevertheless, provides an unhoped-for view of the vaults and, why not, conversion possibilities.
Our opinion
It is never easy to put a sacred building up for sale. Our society with its strong catholic foundations might not fervently proclaim its sacred history but it does unceremoniously bring it to mind on this occasion. So saying, from this history we also retain our priceless building heritage and what can we do with our deconsecrated churches other than put new life into them using the means imposed on us by our new secular foundations.
The church in question was “lucky” enough to be deconsecrated not because of a lack of interest in modern-day religion but because of the folly of man and a tough, foolish social transformation. Consequently, this is a place where we breathe the air, not of an inviolate and possibly impregnable sacredness, but that of an exemplary heritage which is but waiting to savour its new lease on life, whatever form that may take.
Exclusive sale
230 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 2560WK
| Land registry surface area | 671 m² / 7722,6 sq ft |
Regional representative
Ilan Libert +33 (0)6 20 69 38 46
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
