st gilles chapel

With all the majestic churches in France to find and visit this small Chapel was a real surprise. We got the keys from the local cafe for 3€ and unlocked the doors and had it all to ourselves. Beautiful and serene.

Built by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, the poet Pierre de ronsard was Prior here from 1566 until his deathin 1585. The representation of Christ in Majesty in a double mandorla, surrounded by angels is the best preserved of the murals, and is thought to date from c. 1180.

Privately owned, this jewel of a Romanesque chapel dates back to the XIIth century. Located in the picturesque town of Montoire, with a splendid farmers' market every Saturday, the keys to this chapel can be obtained for 3 euros per person at the Tourist office, and if this is closed, at the Café de la Paix. Then cross the bridge over the Loir, and turn right past a pure Renaissance house with the "billiard chimney" down a narrow alley leading up to the massive oak doors of the chapel yard. Renaissance court poet, Pierre de Ronsard, was prieur here in the XVIth century. But this chapel dates back to the times of WIlliam the Conqueror, and seeing one of the frescoes of a knight in armour, confirms this dating, as it is very similar to the Bayeux tapestry. In this chapel, even in July or August, you will be alone to the world, and it will be a very spiritual moment. The fresco of Christ Pancreator is worthy of many precious Byzantine chapels

To be given a key and allowed to wander at leisure in any place is a great honour, but in a place where the frescos are as old is surprising to say the least. Well worth a look and the 3.50 wont break the bank

Cette petite chapelle où venait prier Pierre de Ronsard a des fresques magnifiques très bien sauvegardées. Incontournable à Montoire. Attention, il faut prendre la clé à l'office de tourisme.

La chapelle Saint Gilles est très jolie, elle reflète un patrimoine très riche de la ville, posée sur cette vallée du Loir au sud du Perche. A l'image d'autre site de Vendôme, la chapelle est très mal indiquée et malgré son charme évident, elle est coincée dans une rue un peu défoncée et en partie goudronnée. C'est vraiment dommage car cette petite rue aurait tout à y gagner d'être repavée et d'y apporter un peu plus de charme...