Chapelle de Chânes

About

The chapel Saint-André de Chânes is located in Chânes in the commune of Béligneux, in the department of Ain, France. It is still used for a few rare religious ceremonies; It is also available during European Heritage Days.

History: The Romanesque chapel dates from the 15th century. It is dedicated from the beginning to Saint Andrew. A leprosy was reportedly installed at the site of its construction. It would have depended on the abbey of Saint-Sulpice-en-Bugey near Tenay: this leprosy would be mentioned in 1176 (Hospitali de Chanao). The space immediately near the chapel is named Square Anaïs-Jaccard on November 27, 2021: Anaïs Jaccard was a local heritage activist who was particularly invested in the protection of the chapel.

Building: The building is relatively low and narrow (length: 20 meters; width: 7 meters). It consists of a single nave. A small narthex is located under the campanile whose bell is still visible. The structure dates from the 15th century and does not seem to have been renewed The 55 kg bell dates from 1835 and was melted by Burdin (Lyon).