A benedictine priory in percheron territory.
Since 1972, the priory has been home to the Eco-museum of Le Perche, bearing witness to traditional rural life in the area and presenting a highly diversified cultural programme.
The priory was founded in the early 11th century and was dedicated to Saint Gauburge (or Walburge), the abbotess of a large Bavarian monastery in the 8th century. Originally owned by the lords of Bellême, the priory was transferred, in the 12th century, to the Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis-en-France. From the late 15th century on, it was directly under royal authority until the French Revolution. As an important rural estate, its buildings bear witness to its special status and to the size of its revenues.
The church stands in a hamlet with an exceptional heritage. Its nave and choir, both richly sculpted, are illuminated by the high windows of the choir; the harmony and height of the Gothic edifice are remarkable.
The conventual buildings, which can be seen by walking around the church towards the north, offer the visitor a view of their façades animated by interesting Renaissance decorations. In the rooms of the “Prior’s Lodge”, one can also admire the decorated mantelpieces of the two fireplaces, one representing Adam and Eve and the other the Annunciation.
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Free visit of the museum and the priory: April 1 to September 30: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. October 1 to March 31: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends
Guided tour of the priory: Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, at 3.30 p.m.
Annual closure of the Ecomuseum: for 2023-2024, from December 23, 2023 to January 19, 2024, inclusive. |