CHURCH OF FOUSSAIS-PAYRÉ
11th century Romanesque church, a true jewel of Romanesque art with two blind bays framing the large portal
If you are staying in the South Vendée, you must visit this village classified as a "Petite Cité de caractère". Indeed, Foussais-Payré has a very rich architectural heritage which you should not miss. Stroll through the streets, and observe the porches, the old buildings, look up... In addition to the many castles, dwellings and other houses of character, the Sainte-Catherine inn and the 16th century covered market, four buildings are listed as historical monuments, including the church. In the heart of the small commune of the South Vendée, this 11th century Romanesque church is a real jewel of Romanesque art, with its two blind bays framing the large portal, the latter of remarkable quality. Despite the fire that ravaged it during the Hundred Years' War and the remodelling that took place during the Gothic period, the Romanesque sculpted façade has miraculously remained intact. Dating from the 11th century, the extraordinary central portal is made up of an archivolt with suggestive sculptures, among the most beautiful that the artists of the Lower Poitou region have left us. Pagan sculptures - Melusine expressing temptation as a mermaid, showmen, phantasmagorical animals - are mixed with religious themes, the whole being of a rare evocative power. Two sculpted tympanums enhance, on either side of the portal, two blind arches. They represent a scene from the Passion on the left, and Simon's meal and the appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene on the right.
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Petite commune située à proximité de foret de Mervent.
Nombreux monuments et vieilles maisons de style Vendéen. Beaucoup de sculptures en bois exécutées à la tronçonneuse. Continuer la ballade jusqu’à Vouvant , village de France avec ces remparts, son église et le donjon de son ancien château. Agréable journée au fil de la rivière reposante.