TEMPLE DU COLLET DE DEZE
he temple's construction began in 1646, making it the oldest in France. The inhabitants donated it to the Marquise de Portes as proof of their submission to royalty. She obtained permission from Louis XIV not to demolish the temple. During the suppression of Protestantism, the temple gradually fell into ruin. It is the only temple to have survived the Revocation.
"The construction of the temple began in 1646, which makes it the oldest temple in France. The inhabitants donated it to the Marquise de Portes to prove their submission to royalty. The latter obtained from Louis XIV that the temple not be destroyed. During the repression of Protestantism, the temple was used as an arms depot for the royal troops and gradually fell into ruin. During the 18th century, it was used as a shed and then as a barn. It is the only temple to have survived the Revocation. During the Revolution, the temple was confiscated and sold as national property. The inhabitants bought it back, restored it and worship could once again be held there in 1803.
The building is made of irregularly sized stonework and covered with a framework of visible joists supported by a large arch of stonework in the form of a semicircular arch. Access is via a three-flight staircase".
Information from the Mérimée database
