Church on Sunday...Montlouis-sur-Loire

Today we are visiting the L'eglise Saint-Laurent in Montlouis-sur-Loire a church that as you are doing the wine trail along the caves on Quai de la Gare and Quai de la Loire in the direction of Amboise, you will see perched high up on your right-hand side

Once you have made your way up to the church you have a splendid view back down over the river Loire.

 The church,which sits on the early religious site (5th century) was built during the late 11th and early 12th century. The current condition is the result of 19th century renovation work

The rather splendid facade of the church surprisingly bears the French republican motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity". Depending on what you read it was either done in !905 when the church separated from the state or earlier in 1881. 

As we walked in we were met by the sound of the organ - but it was not 'piped music' set to come on as you enter the church - no, there was the organist, in one of the side chapels, giving it his all !

The central nave and side chapels have well proportioned vaulted ceilings.

The church has its fair share of beautiful stained glass windows...

...with an interesting more recent design remembering the effect the second world war had on the town of Montlouis-sur-Loire.

As we walk around these churches we are always astonished by the skill and craftsmanship that went into their construction - could they be recreated today in such numbers - I don't think so.

Where's Joan? She's not to be found here in Saint-Laurent

The outside of the church as usual provides clues to its changes over the centuries.

Detail of the ornate facade.

The 20th century clock tower.

The oldest parts of the church can be viewed at the rear of the church.

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