Saint-Robert - Saint-Robert

Once "Saint Robert" was the center of a thriving priory, depending from the important Bendictian abbey "La Chaise-Dieu" in the Auvergne (250kms east). The priory got established here around 1080, the erection of the large pilgrim-church started soon after. The church is dedicated to Saint Robert, aka Robert de Turlande. Hé had founded La Chaise Dieu in 1053, and got canonized already in 1070.

This church got ruined during the Hundred Years´ War - and what can be still seen is the transept, the crossing tower and (not from this pov) the choir behind. The large nave was, where the parking lot stretches today. The ruined nave finally got demolished around 1580 and never got rebuilt.

After the French Revolution the church was used for the fabrication and storage of weapons and ammunition. It got restored within the 19th century. The village of Saint-Robert surrounding the church is one of the nicest in France - a "plus beaux villages de France".