Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Saint-Germain

In 990, Emma, the daughter of the Count of Blois, Theobald I, founded the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Pierre, which was known for growing Mediterranean plants such as olive trees, oranges and pomegranates from the original monastery in Italy. The monastery was destroyed during the French Revolution. The commune gives its name to the AOC wine-growing region. Almost exclusively red wine is grown on a vineyard area of 1368 hectares. A church is mentioned here as early as 1002 in a papal bull from Pope Sylvester II. The present church was consecrated in 1115, and the gable dates from this time. The door was renewed at the end of the 12th century. In the 13th century, the choir was remodelled in the Plantagenet style.

The area along the Gartempe is known for medieval murals. One or more studios have worked here and even small village churches often have fantastic works. Some years ago I followed the Gartempe, but the church in Saint-Germain was locked, so I tried again. It was still locked.

Rignac is a small village, that in medieval times may have served the pilgrims heading to (still) famous Rocamadour (10kms west). The church Saint-Germain, known already since the 12th century, got damaged during the 100 Years War, but got completely reconstructed in the second half of the 15th century. I met a friendly, polyglot lady inside the church, who showed me around. Behind the sacristy, she had laid out a garden, where she had planted many plants, that either are mentioned in the bible or having names, connected to the bible. Merci beaucoup Madame!