Chapelle Saint-Barthélémy

A historic 16th-century chapel.

St Barthélémy's chapel was built on the foundations of the Roman thermal baths of a Gallo-Roman resort dating from the 3rd century. It dates from the 14th century. A bishop from Le Mans is said to have converted the site into a place of worship in the 7th century.
The chapel has 3 magnificent 15th-century Gothic windows and an exposed roof frame. |
|
Its choir, decorated with an altarpiece, is in the Renaissance style of the 16th century. The rectangular building has 2 naves, separated by a thick wall pierced by large pointed-arch arches, which correspond to the layout of the spa rooms. The floor of the 15th-century chapel was 30 to 35 centimetres lower, hence its squashed proportions.

The chapel has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1925.

In 2010 - 2011, the interior of the building was renovated. Old paintings have appeared in the choir and on the north wall of the aisle. The choir could date from the 17th century and the north wall from the 15th century.

This was a major pilgrimage site, where the faithful came to ask for graces and cures for skin diseases. Nowadays, a pilgrimage is held here on the 1st Sunday in September.

Individual visits organised on request by the Pays d'art et d'histoire: 02 40 80 90 13