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Ruins of a famous abbey...

BEAULIEU-lès-LOCHES


Late 15th century church in Bridoré


This old village contains the ruins of a famous abbey founded in 1004 by Fulk Nerra, who was buried there at his request. The abbey church is dominated by a majestic square Romanesque tower. surmounted by an octagonal spire. The arms of the transept also date from the Romanesque period but the nave and chancel were rebuilt in the 15th century after being destroyed by the English in 1412; beyond the chancel are a few traces of the original Romanesque apse.

The interior is adorned with a 15th century Pietà, some 18th century terracotta statues in the chancel and some 17th century portraits and a low-relief carving of the Last Supper in the sacristy. A curious outdoor pulpit adjoins the old abbot's lodgings on the site of the old cloisters to the right of the church.

The former église St-Laurent has retained its Romanesque tower and its three fine aisles roofed with Angevin vaulting.


Bridoré - The late-15th century church here, dedicated to St Roch, houses a monumental 15th c. statue of the Saint (nave right). The legend of St Hubert is evoked on a 16th c. low-relief sculpture. The castle, which belonged to Marshal Boucicaut in the 14th c., was altered in the 15th c. by Imbert de Bastarnay, Secretary to Louis XI. It is an imposing complex, bordered by towers, caponnières and a deep dry moat on three sides.

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