Monday 2 November 2009

Little Gems !


I am continually amazed at the 'treasures' we keeping finding on our wanders around the countryside and our latest discovery is certainly another little beauty -  let me introduce you to La Chapelle Sainte- Brigitte!




We found the chapel in a field on the edge of a farmyard when walking on part of a Green Way  which runs through the centre of Brittany (scroll down for info) and with nothing else in sight but a couple of houses !








Whilst there are many of these little chapels dotted around the countryside, this one has rather an unusual steeple...



It was disappointing to find the door locked, but then I spotted ' Monsieur' cutting back his hedges and trotted over to pass the time of day and ask if the chapel was open at any time - would you believe he was the key holder!!!  This very obliging man not only shot off  to get the key but  handed it over for our own private visit, and I can tell you the inside didn't disappoint!

It was so tiny inside that once you allowed for the altar ( marble and covered in a snow white altar cloth edged with hand made Breton lace and a silver crucifix & and candlesticks)   I doubt  you would  get 20 people in there, but it was absolutely perfect!!!  Walls of the palest blue and the neatest pews you have ever seen!!  I would guess they would seat  3/4 persons a piece, made of oak with lovely fretwork backs and sides, so different from normal church pews!

Monsieur also told me that the upkeep of the chapel is totally down to volunteers and that ever year on the first Sunday in July they hold a Fete Day to raise funds - it's already noted in next year's diary !!!!

4 comments:

Gina said...

What a beautiful chapel. That steeple is fabulous

Love and hugs Gina xxx

Kaye said...

Sounds like a lovely Chapel. How old is it? Its wonderful that you are taking advantage and seeing all the surrounding areas. Would you believe I lived in New York and never visited or walked up the steps of the Statue of Liberty? I have passed her on a boat excursion a couple of times but never stood on her soil. I think I will put that on a "Bucket List"

Kristie said...

So lovely! Such a beautiful little chapel.
Kristie

*Ulrike* said...

That is certainly lovely. Sometimes the smaller ones have more meaning than the ones that are so huge.