CHAPELLE DE LA BOURGONNIÈRE

Built by Charles du Plessis, Seigneur de la Bourgonnière, on his return from Italy with King Charles VIII, between 1509 and 1524, this chapel nestled in the Parc de la Bourgonnière is a Renaissance gem. Its refined volumes and architecture will captivate you before you push open the heavy wooden door. Inside, the chapel retains its colorful decor, with an altarpiece surmounted by magnificent statues (attributed to sculptor Michel Colombe), "grisaille" stained-glass windows and an astonishing larger-than-life polychrome stone Christ, richly dressed (golden tunic) and, unusually, not crucified. He simply rests on a cross, surrounded by two angels bringing him a crown of thorns and the column of flagellation. This astonishing Christ is well worth a visit. Would you like a guided tour? As the property is private, the chapel, the château (19th century) with its Renaissance facade, and the dwelling (14th century) are open to visitors by appointment only. Tour duration: approx. 1 hour.