ancien prieuré Saint-Michel

English translation

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History

Parish church of Saint-Michel: 12th century; Former priory: first quarter 12th century, 15th century, 19th century. A lower courtyard and a cloister form the interior space structured on two levels according to the slope of the terrain. Around them, the buildings are organized according to a closed quadrilateral, closed on the west by a boundary wall, part of the fortress enclosure whose height has been reduced. Access to the priory originally adjoined the western portal of the church, subsequently moved to the second bay of the south façade. This access opens onto the lower courtyard which serves, to the south, the outbuildings (barn, stable, workshop...) and to the west the cloister. From the courtyard extends a projecting building, housing a spiral staircase developed over three levels with small vaulted rooms on rib vaults, the whole dating from the 15th century. On the first floor, the prior's lodging communicates with the church tribune. It comprises a vast Gothic hall adorned with a monumental fireplace, and a coffered ceiling. On the second floor, the great hall must have housed the dormitory. The entire north wing has retained its Romanesque character. Above the animal quarters, a vast hall may have served as the refectory. It opens through Romanesque openings and retains a Gothic fireplace. Carolingian sarcophagi were found in the cemetery.