Saint-Remy Church

An original building appears to have been constructed in the 11th or 12th century, before being largely rebuilt in the late Middle Ages. Reconstructed in the Gothic style, possibly around 1440, the church was never completed: its hexagonal bell tower remained unfinished for centuries. Municipal archives document the numerous alterations made to the church during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1827, the roof and bell tower were rebuilt, followed by the renewal of the wooden ceiling in 1830. Further repairs to the bell tower were carried out in 1885.

In 1890, a fundraising campaign was launched to restore and enlarge the building, which was considered to be in danger of collapse. More than 20,000 francs were raised, and the French State granted a subsidy. However, the municipal council ultimately abandoned the project. In 1935, the municipality revived the plans and selected a design by architects Fauc and Mercier. The church subsequently underwent an almost complete reconstruction in 1937–1938. A comparison of the present-day building with old postcards clearly shows that the bell tower was raised, the clock was moved, and the bell tower roof was rebuilt.

The church's furnishings include Neo-Gothic altars and a lectern in the side chapels. These chapels appear to date back to the 15th century and bear stonecutters' marks, identifying the craftsmen who worked the stone. The choir is adorned with gilded wooden statues, a crucifix and a reliquary of the Holy Cross. In the nave, visitors can admire a painting probably dating from the 17th century, which has recently been restored: *The Baptism of Clovis*.

**Visiting information:** The church is open for self-guided visits. Keys can be collected from the town hall of Champs-sur-Tarentaine-Marchal: +33 (0)4 71 78 72 75.