Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Beaugency

A nice name for a laundromat, that needs some TLC. Seen on the pedestal on the right is Joan of Arc.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567. The day, when the relics of the Saint martyrs Firmin, Fuscien, Victoric and Gentien were found, Simon, Lord of Beaugency was cured of leprosy by miracle. He then founded the abbey in the 11th century. That is the legend. Sure is, that in 1104 Philip I of France (aka "Philip the Amorous") and his spouse Bertha of Holland appeared in front of the council to ask for their marriage vows to be annulled. At that time Philip was already living with Bertrade de Montfort. Knowing that this was the right place, in 1152 Louis VII and his spouse Eleanor of Aquitaine appeared in front of the council here, to ask for their marriage vows to be annulled. Only some weeks later Eleanor married Henry II of England (aka "Henry Plantagenet"). A conflict started, that ended in the Hundred Years' War. The abbey church was erected within the 12th century, but got ruined during the time of Huguenot vandalism. What is seen today is the result of a rebuilding process, undertaken during the 16th and 17th century. The Romanesque structure of the church is still clearly visible.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567. The day, when the relics of the Saint martyrs Firmin, Fuscien, Victoric and Gentien were found, Simon, Lord of Beaugency was cured of leprosy by miracle. He then founded the abbey in the 11th century. That is the legend. Sure is, that in 1104 Philip I of France (aka "Philip the Amorous") and his spouse Bertha of Holland appeared in front of the council to ask for their marriage vows to be annulled. At that time Philip was already living with Bertrade de Montfort. Knowing that this was the right place, in 1152 Louis VII and his spouse Eleanor of Aquitaine appeared in front of the council here, to ask for their marriage vows to be annulled. Only some weeks later Eleanor married Henry II of England (aka "Henry Plantagenet"). A conflict started, that ended in the Hundred Years' War. The abbey church was erected within the 12th century, but got ruined during the time of Huguenot vandalism. What is seen today is the result of a rebuilding process, undertaken during the 16th and 17th century. The Romanesque structure of the church is still clearly visible.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567. The abbey of Beaugency existed since the 11th century, the ancient abbey church, seen here, was erected within the 12th century. Since the French Revolution serves the parish. During the time of Huguenot vandalism the church got ruined and had to be rebuilt within the 16th century. The western facade looks very bare.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567. The abbey of Beaugency, existing since the 11th century, has seen that all and even survived the bombings during WWII. This was the place of the council, that in 1152 dissolved the marriage between Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine, who then married Henry II of England a few weeks later. The abbey got of course remodelled a couple of times but is still is closely connected to the ancient abbey church Notre Dame. Today the abbey is a luxury hotel. Unfortunately it was a bit over my budget.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567, creating an extensive damage to the walls, the castle, and the churches. In 1870 the Prussian army defeated the French army of the Loire in the second Battle of Beaugency. During WWII the city was bombed twice by the German Luftwaffe. The small church, erected mid 11th century, was part of a priory. Renovated in 1999 it is used now as a municipal cultural center.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567, creating an extensive damage to the walls, the castle, and the churches. In 1870 the Prussian army defeated the French army of the Loire in the second Battle of Beaugency. During WWII the city was bombed twice by the German Luftwaffe. Seen behind the statue of Joan of Arc ("A Jeanne d'Arc - Liberatrice") is the tower of Saint-Firmin. This tower is the last remnant of an 11th-century church, that got demolished at the time of the French Revolution.

Beaugency was an important place already within the 11th century. It has been the site of numerous military conflicts. During the Hundred Years' War it was occupied on four separate occasions by English troops. In 1429, it was the site of the Battle of Beaugency, when it was freed by Joan of Arc. It was burned down and looted by the Protestants in 1567, creating an extensive damage to the walls, the castle, and the churches. In 1870 the Prussian army defeated the French army of the Loire in the second Battle of Beaugency. During WWII the city was bombed twice by the German Luftwaffe. The keep, named "Tour de César", is still 36m high. It dates back to the 11th century, but got enlarged and modified a couple of times later.

Pretty exhausted I reached Beaugency in the early evening. The weather had worsened. This was exactly the spot, where in August 2009 I had a wonderful picnic. Actually this is a perfect place, to empty a bottle of cold rosé wine during a long and warm evening in summer.