SAINT-MENOUX CHURCH

Built on a hillock in the centre of the village, this former abbey church dates from the second half of the 12th century and stands on the site of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Saint Menulphe. It consists of a nave with three bays, preceded by a vestibule, and finished, on the east, by a non-protruding transept. The choir opens onto a semi-circular apse surrounded by an ambulatory with five radiating chapels. Its two-level elevation includes arcades and windows. A frieze, composed of a pearled Greco framed by a toric cordon and a row of ovals, runs around the choir. The Burgundian capitals have a wide variety of sculptures.
In the 13th century, the square bell tower was raised on the transept crossing. Further alterations took place at the end of the 15th century, then at the end of the 17th century. The Revolution caused the departure of the sisters and the complete destruction of the monastic buildings, sold, with the church, as national property. In the 19th century, the church was once again used for religious purposes and underwent many restorations. Beautiful religious objects of art and stalls of mercy are to be admired. A local cult attributes to Saint Menoux the power to cure mental disorders. Thus was born the débredinoire, from the word bredin, simple-minded in Bourbonnais language. It is an ancient sarcophagus containing the relics of the saint. Pass your head through the opening of the sarcophagus to come out wiser. Do not touch the walls, you would then inherit all the stupidity and madness of those who preceded you.