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Notre-Dame de Nieigles church, ArdècheNotre-Dame de Nieigles church, Ardèche

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fritz
24675 pts.
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    Quite unknown church Fritz!
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      Good description and tips for a unique visit Fritz!
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      Yes. A plan might be useful huh?!
    • Score
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      Yes, 5 pics.
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      Yes!
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      Yes!
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The village, with its houses huddled around the Romanic church, is located on the side of a hill and is harmoniously enshrined in a beautiful natural site.

My experience, Explo description: 

The village name (Nieigles) comes from 2 latin words « nidus aquilinus » : eagle’s nest.

The Nieigles priory is said to have been founded in 993 by Guy d’Anjou, bishop of Le Puy city.

The oldest part of the church dates from the beginning of the 11th century, and the vaults were reshaped in the 14th century with the addition of the intersecting ribs. The belfry dates from the 17th century.

The Notre-Dame of Nieigles statue is a reproduction of the famous Notre-Dame du Puy statue. It was the object of a great veneration. Pregnant women came to touch the statue and then wore during pregnancy a belt which has been in contact with the statue to make sure of an happy issue !

The original statue has disappeared during the religious troubles with the Huguenots in the 16th century. The present statue, preserved in the church of Pont-de-Labeaume, dates from the late 17th or early 18th century. It is made of wood, partially gilded, black face (it was originally painted with natural colours, but it was then blackened by the smoke of candles !). A sentence of the book of Wisdom is attributed to her : "... I am black but beautiful .. .

The statue currently visible Nieigles is a copy.

During the Wars of Religion of the 16th century, everyone knew the religion of his neighbour... On the lintel of the entrance door was engraved a heart in place for Catholics and a heart to reverse the Protestants !

You can still see many houses with these signs in the village.

My personal recommendations: 

Once you have visited the church and the hamlet, have a look at the close Ventadour castle.

How getting there: 

From Pont-de-Labeaume, cross the bridge opposite to the Ventadour castle, and drive up to 1.5km. Leave your car at the entrance to the hamlet, there is no place higher to park !

A tip to sleep: 

Several hotels and guest-houses in the hamlet :

http://www.sourcesetvolcans-ardeche...

Useful information: 
Visit duration: 

30mn

Entry fees: 

Free !