Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vassivière

The Notre-Dame de Vassivière chapel was initially erected during the 8th century.

In the 16th century, Catherine de Medici ordered its repair. Since then, the chapel has become a major place of pilgrimage. Every summer, when the Black Madonna is transported on the backs of men from the church of Besse, thousands of faithful gather to celebrate the event.

According to locals that I met one day on the site, the water flowing from the fountain affixed to the west facade of the building would have medicinal properties. I confided on this subject in my notebook: "Like an elder who has just arrived to fill the six bottles of water which he carries in a small cart, I take out my bottle to enjoy this blessed fountain gods ".