Église Notre-Dame (Béhuard)

About

The history of this church begins in the fifth century with the bishop of Angers, Saint Maurille (437), who places a statue of the Virgin Mary on the rock, origin of the Marian cult of the island in place of the pagan idol of the waters. The island then bears the name "Mary Island". The present church dates from the 15th century, built by King Louis XI, who, following a miraculous rescue from drowning in the waters of the Charente, vows to build a church on the rock of the island. Sanctuary built in 1469. The building was classified as historic monuments on December 31, 1840.

The church is built on a rock, visible also inside the building. To the north of this rock stands a statue of the Virgin with the Child, placed in 1907. The church has the peculiarity of having two naves arranged in square. It is accessed by two stairs: that of origin, to the north, giving in the primitive nave; the second, from the alley of the village, which leads into the nave of Louis XI.