Sainte Croix Collegial Church - Loudun

Extraordinary site, former Roman collegiate church featuring an 11th century chancel in Burgundy style which is a prestigious setting for expositions and concerts. Painted murals from 13th C. Built on the foundations of a very ancient Christian sanctuary, the Saint Croix collegiate church (12th C) is one of the major monuments of Romanesque art in the Poitou area.

The vaulted ceiling of the magnificent Romanesque chancel features extraordinary XIVth. C. murals. The church was used to exorcise the possessed in 1634 and its nave used for more than a century for fairs and markets (until 1991). Modified and burnt down during its long history, the collegiate is now home to the Sainte Croix Cultural Centre which hosts activities, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. Also, information about Loudun and the surrounding area with places of interest may be picked up at the centre. Close by : the formal gardens behind the Sainte Croix centre.

Not to be missed : Théophraste Renaudot Museum, the Square Tower and the Foulque Nerra walk.