A Provençal Romanesque-style church, characterized by two opposing apses, one east and one west. The Church of St. Michael, listed as a Historic Monument, is a jewel of Romanesque art from the second half of the 12th century. Thanks to the support of Prosper Merimée, inspector of Historic Monuments, the church was restored in 1849-50. The second floor and the bell tower pyramid were erected at the same time. It is remarkable for the interior perfection of its stonework and the balance of its volumes. The elevation of the nave lends elegance and lightness to the whole, with its decoration remaining very sober. A notable feature: it is distinguished by the presence of a double apse opposite the entrance. The north chapel houses a polychrome wooden Romanesque Virgin Mary, "Our Lady of Good Help."
Saint Michel Church is an emblematic building of the Garde Adhémar. The restoration project involves the roof, which will be completely maintained (cleaning, replacement of slabs) to prevent water infiltration that currently damages the vaults and works of art. The restoration project also includes the complete replacement of the louvers to protect the dome and bells from rain and runoff. The urgent restoration of the various southern and western doors dating from the 1850 restoration is also underway.
Exteriorly, a study is also underway to create a small gutter to channel rainwater, which would protect the nave, apses, and sacristy from water infiltration. The project will also include landscaping around the church using natural materials, repairing the joints in the church walls, and finally, installing interior lighting to enhance the pillars, vaults, domes, and numerous works of art.
December 2024: Launch of the fundraising campaign Summer 2025: Expected start of construction
The site and its history
About twenty kilometers south of Montélimar, the white stones of La Garde-Adhémar dazzle in the Drôme Provençale sunshine. From the top of its limestone spur, the village, labeled one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, has preserved its medieval structure: ramparts, castle remains, and old residences, offering breathtaking views of the Rhône Valley and the Vivarais Mountains. The Saint Michel Church is a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art from the second half of the 12th century. Located in the heart of the village on a rocky spur and surrounded by walls, it stands like a sentinel overlooking the Rhône Valley. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1862, the church impresses visitors with its slender proportions, the balance of its forms, and the subtle interplay of its horizontal and vertical lines. The distinctive features of the Church of Saint Michael include a western counter-apse of Carolingian origin, a remarkable Romanesque axial window, a three-headed capital, and the barrel-vaulted nave, impressive for its grand interior elevation. Finally, an eight-sided dome dominates the sobriety of the dressed stone walls. Below, the botanical garden, classified as a remarkable site, is an integral part of the site.
The mobilization
The inhabitants of Lagardère are very attached to their church; this heritage site embodies a social and historical bond. They remember the imprint of the successive priests who have enlivened parish life over time. It is also a very strong draw for tourists and visitors. The town's cultural and heritage associations will support the project by scheduling sacred music concerts, exhibitions (including a Provençal nativity scene), guided tours of the town's heritage using QR codes, and the celebration of a midnight mass for Christmas.
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