DISCOVER LA CHAPELLE DU CHAPITRE

This little-known chapel, set in private buildings and therefore hidden from view, has been owned by the Société d’Histoire et d’Archéologie de Saint-Émilion since the 1930s. Well worth a visit.

Built around 1200 in the Romanesque style, it belonged to the Chanoines conventual complex, with the Collegiate Church, its Cloister and the monks’ refectory, which became the Doyenné. Its architecture is very plain on the outside, but well-built. The interior vaults are original: ribbed, supported by columns and sculpted capitals, forming an elegant whole.

The interior features two sculpted keystones and a series of paintings on the vaults, well restored 40 years ago. They bear witness to the original decoration, which extends to all surfaces and can be dated to the early 13th century. This decorative ensemble “illustrates the opposition between the sacred and profane worlds” (according to Michelle Gaborit, Medieval wall paintings in Saint-Émilion).

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1964, it also houses a collection of memorabilia from a man who was one of the leading figures in the history of Saint-Emilion in the 20th century: Abbé Daniel Bergey, who ministered here for over 40 years and was a major player in local life, first as a military chaplain during the Great War, then as founder of the PAC association of Veteran Priests, and finally as Member of Parliament for Gironde from 1924 to 1932.

Located in the Rue du Clocher, in the heart of the town of Saint-Émilion, it is accessed via the cul-de-sac to the right of the “L’Envers du décor” restaurant.

VISITS SEPTEMBER 21 AND 22, 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

FREE – BOOKING REQUIRED