Sancerre road-trip part 1... Romorantin Lanthenay

As I said yesterday this place had always intrigued me both its name and location so we took the opportunity  to visit it on our way over to Sancerre. Sitting on the river Sauldre what we have here is the amalgamation of two towns (thus the name) that make up the principle town of the Sologne region of central France.

 Its river setting,even in November, makes a lovely backdrop for its popular 'Musee de Solagne'

 We all agreed that we should make a point of coming back for a visit in summer...and maybe even visit their 'Matra' racing car (driven by our own Jackie Stewart) museum'

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Church on Sunday...Romorantin Lanthenay

Today our 'church on Sunday' is the parish church of Saint Etienne in the Sologne town of Romorantin Lanthenay in Loir-et-Cher.

 The church of today is the result of renovation work throughout its history from its origins in the 12th century right up to the last major works in the 19th century. It had been damaged both during the 'Hundred years war' and the 'wars of religion'.

The façade is uninspiring with the only real detail being in the three statues set high up in their alcoves.

Inside is rather more pleasing to the eye with the four pillars of the transept being part of the original 12th century church. It is brought right up to date with a delicate iluminated glass altar

There is a central nave with two side aisles.

Most of the original stained glass was destroyed during the looting of the 16th century to be replaced by 'modern' examples over the years.

It has many fine features like the spiralling pulpit...

...and organ loft staircase.

Glass is featured again in the rather imposing baptismal font.

 There is no Joan...but a rather fetching statue of Saint Michael

 The lack of any reference to Joan seemed a little odd considering the church's location!

Now there was a side chapel 'under wraps' so maybe she was under there having a facelift!