EGLISE DE SAINT ETIENNE VALLEE FRANCAISE
The topographical organisation of the small Cévenol village of Saint-Etienne Vallée Française is very interesting: indeed, by observing its circular plan and its houses around the parish church, one understands well the setting up of the medieval habitat The church, heavily modified over time, has a nave of two bays supplemented by a south side and a chapel to the north.
The topographical organisation of the small Cevennes village of Saint-Etienne Vallée Française is very interesting: indeed, by observing its circular plan and its houses grouped around the parish church, one understands well the setting up of the medieval habitat. The latter developed inside a peace enclosure that protected anyone who asked for the protection of the Church. This phenomenon, which is attested throughout the Languedoc and Catalonia, is linked to the movement known as "the peace of God", an attempt to pacify the Church in the feudal era
The church, which has been heavily modified over the years, has a two-bay nave with a south aisle and a chapel to the north. The nave is vaulted with a pointed arch and the side aisles and apse with groined arches. The whole was covered with mural paintings, covered with yellow paint.
Several paintings decorate the interior, including a "Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence" registered as a Historic Monument.
