The best traffic-free bike rides around Réclainville

The Saint-Lubin church of Coltainville is a religious monument located in the commune of Coltainville, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Although its name suggests a dedication to Saint Lubin, bishop of Chartres in the 6th century, the available sources do not specify its period of construction or its detailed history. This type of building, typical of the French countryside, often plays a central role in local life, both spiritually and communally. In the general context of the Centre-Val de Loire, parish churches like that of Coltainville were historically essential gathering places. They served not only for religious services, but also for social events, such as baptisms, weddings, or village assemblies. Their architecture and decoration often reflect local resources and know-how, as well as regional or national stylistic influences depending on the era.

According to tradition, the church choir covers the remains of an older building, possibly dating back to the 6th century, which was built to house the saint's body. According to current knowledge, the commune of Saint-Piat (Sanctus Piatus in Latin) officially appeared in 1087, mentioned in a charter of the Nottonville Priory (Eure-et-Loir), on which it depended. The current building was rebuilt during the time of Francis I, as suggested by the date 1535 engraved on two buttresses of the apse and the date 1542 engraved on a piece of wood from the vault. This is according to a study by the SAEL (Eure-et-Loir Archaeological Society). The three-sided apses, the dripstone towers (horizontal members projecting from a wall), and the sculpted roof structures are a testament to the importance of the reconstructions carried out in the department during the 16th century. The church of Saint-Piat is one of them. While the church has not been officially recognized, it nevertheless contains objects that have attracted attention both for their antiquity and quality, but not always for good reason. Their artistic value, far from attracting only religious or aesthetic interest, has also aroused a covetousness that, unfortunately, remains for some of them. Fortunately, those still in place are carefully cared for and offer the curious a story to discover, a beauty to slowly ponder as they progress toward the choir.

The town's monumental heritage is defined by the Church of Saint-Cyr and Sainte-Julitte. Built in the 12th century, the building underwent numerous modifications during the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The apse sanctuary is lit by five 12th-century Romanesque windows, while the choir and nave date from the 13th century. Like some fifty churches around Chartres, the Huguenots set fire to the church of Jouy in 1568. However, the walls were not destroyed. Only the building's portal is listed as a Historic Monument by decree of December 30, 1913. This listing was motivated by the architecture of the portal, which features foliate capitals. Nevertheless, the church also has a rectangular tower, a polygonal staircase turret, and a wooden vaulted tower.

Before 528, the village of Saint-Prest was called Saint-Jean-sur-Eure. At that time, the Bishop of Chartres, Ethère, had a building built adjoining the southern flank of the parish church, including a "martyrium" to house the remains of holy martyrs (the legend of Saint-Prest), which were placed in ten sarcophagi. The most honored relics were those of a certain Priscus; following numerous miracles, the parish took the name of Saint-Prest. The current church's crypt is the apse of the 9th-century Carolingian church, which replaced a 6th-century sanctuary. Access to the 12th-century nave, on the west side, is through a beautiful Romanesque portal, carved from beautiful limestone, surmounted by a triple saw-tooth archivolt and framed by two small columns with capitals. On the right, a face would be that of Eve, and on the left would appear the tempting serpent.

Many centuries ago, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements—which, while helpful and useful on the one hand, could also be a threat as untamed forces of nature—for various purposes, thus eliminating the need for human or animal muscle power. Mills like these are a good example of the human engineering skills of earlier generations: The heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by wind or—as in this case—water.

beautiful church with an imposing facade

The current church was built in 1547 on the site of an earlier church dating back to the 11th century. The work was financed by the Brézé family, who were lords of Gasville-Oisème at the time. The church was restored over the following centuries, particularly in the 19th century. The church's façade is its most remarkable feature. It is adorned with a Renaissance portal, surmounted by a sculpted tympanum depicting Christ in Majesty. The church's interior is also remarkable. It is adorned with sculpted columns and capitals, as well as several religious paintings. The Church of Saint Gregory is a remarkable historical monument, a testament to Renaissance religious architecture in France. It is also an important place of worship for the parish community. The church is open to the public upon request.

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