The Romanesque-Byzantine style of Notre Dame de Lapeyrouse church may come as a surprise in the Tarn-et-Garonne countryside.
In the distant past, a dolmen stood here, before old Celtic beliefs gave way to the cult of the Virgin Mary.
A 13th-century official document mentions the church in 1065. Initially a priory, then a simple annex of the curacy of Lafrançaise, it became a small votive chapel.
But for a thousand years, its evocative name endured.
In 1879, it was completely rebuilt to the plans of Toulouse architect Brefeil, and appeared to be a small “Sacré-Coeur”.
The edifice comprises a square nave topped by a dome that stands on a drum with twelve windows. The belfry-dome is 23 meters high.
Spanning the full width of two of its sides, the central hall is flanked by symmetrical barrel-vaulted bays.
The apse is lit by three Romanesque bays.
The exterior walls are two-tone: concrete alternates with brick, in regular layers, forming a studied contrast.
A kind of quadrangular minaret was hit and knocked down by a violent storm in 1881.
In 1797, a hermit from Villefranche wanted to settle on the tumulus.
He proposed building an oratory and several cells at his own expense. The notables approved the project, as Brother Joseph was highly skilled in surgery and pharmacy. But for some reason, the project never came to fruition.
Today, the pagan stone serves as an altar for open-air masses.
On view is a venerated statue of a majestic 18th-century Virgin and Child in gilded wood.
Today, an annual pilgrimage takes place on Whit Monday.
In the 18th century, people came here to ask the Virgin to ward off hail.
In the following century, people came to place their children under the Lord's protection.
Since 1992, the Chapel of Notre Dame de Lapeyrouse has been listed on France’s register of Historic Monuments.
The association “Les Amis de Lapeyrouse” organizes renowned musical evenings in the chapel.
During school vacations, guided tours can be booked at the Tourist Office. A historical panel is available on site. You can also visit the chapel all year round by appointment on 05 63 65 91 10.
Notre Dame Church
Rue Notre-Dame de Lapeyrouse,
82130 Lafrançaise
Translated with DeepL.com
(free version)
