Chapelle de La Vraie-Croix

The chapel is the most unusual monument in the village. Its unique feature is that it is built above a public road. The granite chapel dates from the 13th century but was restored at the end of the 20th century (1974-1986) by the French Heritage Buildings department. It has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1926, as have the crypts beneath the chapel. A reliquary cross containing a fragment of the True Cross is kept inside the south transept. The chapel was built over a public road. The passage was one-way, from the square towards the street. This unusual arrangement allowed pilgrims to pass under the relic located in the upper chapel. On the east side, an archway leads to a kind of vaulted crypt lit by two windows. There, one finds the altar of the Saint-Just chapel (located 3 km from the village). Here one can see a statue of the Virgin Mary, a holy water font, and a lintel, all originally from the Saint-Just chapel. Opposite, a similar archway reveals a majestic portal with four pointed arches. This solemn entrance once provided access to the staircase leading to the upper floor. Another distinctive feature is that the upper chapel is served by two staircases on either side, allowing for the continuous flow of pilgrims who came to venerate the relic. The panelled vault is painted sky blue and studded with gold stars. The chancel, enclosed by a wrought-iron gate, is entirely paneled with carved woodwork. The altar reflects the same decorative style. The steps are adorned with plant motifs. The chapel is open from Easter until All Saints' Day.