The best traffic-free bike rides around Rouvray-Saint-Denis

The Saint-Pierre d'Ardelu church is a religious monument located in the commune of Ardelu, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Although its existence is attested, the available sources do not specify either its period of construction or its detailed history. This type of building, typical of the French countryside, generally served as a place of worship and gathering for the local community. In rural regions such as the Centre-Val de Loire, parish churches played a central role in daily life. They were often the heart of religious, social, and sometimes administrative activities. Their architecture reflected local resources and know-how, while meeting the spiritual needs of the inhabitants.

The nave dates from the 13th century, the sacristy from the 18th. Of very simple construction, the church nevertheless contains masterpieces. First, an antependium in painted Cordoba leather, representing Saint Médard; classified as a historical monument, just like the bells. A wooden cabinet from the 13th century containing a necrology. A painted wooden altarpiece from the 12th century, featuring two statues, repainted in 1893, representing St Médard and the Virgin Mary. A churchwardens' bench serving as an altar.

It was at the request of the parishioners of Orgères that the decision was made to demolish the old church. Typically, this type of partial or total destruction comes from the religious hierarchy. The current church was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. The reconstruction is quite successful, judging by the choice of materials and the proportions of the building. The stained-glass windows created by the master glazier Loire are perfectly integrated into this new ensemble.

The Saint-Martin de Viabon church dates back to the 11th century. Its plan includes a nave ending in a semicircular apse. In the 15th century, a four-bay aisle forming gables was erected to the north. The bell tower also dates from this period. Adjacent to the south wall of the choir, it is octagonal in shape and pierced by sixteen overlapping pointed arches. It rests on a quadrangular tower with powerful buttresses. A semicircular arch known as a "wolf's tooth" arch survives between two buttresses in the south wall of the nave. It is surmounted by a small sculpted stone head at the base of the pointed arch window. The apse's framework is ancient. In 1862, the paneling of the main nave was replaced by a plaster-covered latticework with faux stone carvings. The restoration of the choir walls and vault, as well as the hollow brick vault of the side aisle, also dates from the same period. This building underwent numerous interior alterations in the 19th century. The eastern end of the side aisle is occupied by the Chapel of the Virgin, entirely decorated with paintings and gilding in 1887. For the restoration of the framework and roof, particularly the end of the side aisle, the Sauvegarde de l'Art Français (French Art Protection Agency) awarded a donation of €17,000 in 2002.

Beautiful little church! The road leading there is peaceful and pleasant.

Angerville is a French commune located sixty-six kilometers south-west of Paris in the department of Essonne in the Île-de-France region. It is the commune of Essonne furthest from Paris. Its inhabitants are called the Angervillois.

The current building dates from the 13th century and underwent renovations in the 16th and 19th centuries [1]. Since a decree of March 26, 1926, the church is listed as a historical monument

Nice little church, however, worth a little detour.