Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church

All about

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is a former Benedictine priory dating back to the 13th century. Listed as a historic monument since February 15, 2019, it is part of the Mende diocese.

The building’s architecture is in a composite style, a blend of neo-Romanesque and Gothic, explained by the periods in which certain parts of the church were renovated. Indeed, since its creation dates back to the 13th century, Gothic architecture predominated. However, traces of Romanesque architecture were added when the church was renovated in the 18th century.

The church treasure

Inside, in the center of the church, you’ll find a remarkable gold-leaf-covered walnut ensemble comprising a high altar, tabernacle and baldachin. The remarkable 18th-century ensemble was restored in 2016 by a goldsmith, its gold leaf covering illuminating the choir and central nave.

The stained glass windows were also restored in the 1980s, with the light shining through them, bringing out the lovely blue monochrome, the dominant color of the windows, whose scenes illustrate some of Chanac’s landscapes. One of them features the famous Tour de Chanac, a 12th-century keep and the last vestige of the episcopal castle that once dominated the village.

Main altar restored with gold leaf in the church choir

Did you know?

Walnut was a much-used wood in the village: the nuns who lived in the United Convent attached to the church used it to make gunstocks, and walnut oil was an ingredient in a local cake called “Bouffia”.

Church and cattle

The church stands next to the Place du Triadou, which in Occitan means “sorting place“. This square is so named because it was the place where cattle were sorted, and was placed here because of its proximity to the church. Farmers took advantage of the sorting time to come and bless their herds.

Chanac church seen from rue du planaguet

All about the church

Saint-Jean-Baptiste

of the Lot Valley

Is Saint-Jean-Baptiste church accessible?
The church is open all year round, with opening times available on the Diocèse de Mende website.
The church can also be visited on guided tours of the village during the summer months.
Are there any parking spaces?
The church is next to the Place du Triadou, where you’ll find parking spaces. Please note: parking is prohibited on Sunday mornings, as the spaces are reserved for the weekly market stalls.

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