The tale ofMontbrison Moingt

County capital of the Forez

Region of Art and History of ForezVisitor’s guide

With the Tourist Information centreExplore the historic heritage of Montbrison MoingtDuring the school holidays (except Christmas holidays), the Tourist Information centre offersguided visits of the historic centre of Montbrison. The themes of the tours differ throughoutthe year and enable you to go beyond the limits of this tour. Follow the guide ……Go with him through the doors of old town residences or convents and prepare for surprisingdiscoveries in interior courtyards and chapels !

Visits possible with an audio guideAll through the year, the Tourist Information centre provides self-descriptive visits of thehistoric centres of Montbrison Moingt, Champdieu, Saint-Just Saint-Rambert et Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez, created by Braille and Culture for accompanied visually-impairedpeople. The audio guides as well as the booklet in Braille, in large print and raised relief, areavailable on loan in our tourist centres.

Find the programme of our guided visits on www.visitesloireforez.com

With the Tourist Information centreStay in Loire ForezWhether in our tourist centre or on our web sites, you can find all the informationnecessary to organise your stay in Loire Forez and benefit from advice from our staff.

Our web siteswww.loireforez.comwww.loireforez.euwww.loireforez.mobi

InformationReservations

Maison du tourisme de Montbrison Moingt1, place Eugène BauneTél. 04 77 96 08 69Email : contact@loireforez.com

Open

July and August • from Monday to Saturdayfrom 9h to 12h and 14h to 18h• SundayFrom 14h to 18h

Rest of the year :• from Monday to Fridayfrom 9h30 to 12h30and 13h30 to 17h30• Saturdayfrom 9h to 12h30and from 14h to 18h

Produced with thefinancial support of

Montchenugarden

Allardgarden

Place desComtes de Forezet du Souvenir

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Honoréd’Urfé square

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Montbrison - tour

Collegiate churchNotre-Dame-d’Espérance

Hall of Heraldry of Diana

House of Jean Papon

House of Robertet

House of Lions

Old chapel of the Penitents

Town residence Girard de Vaugirard

Town residence Saint-Pulgent

Court of Justice andPierre Boulez music centre Old convent of the Visitation

Calvary cross

Tower of the Barrière

Sub-Prefecture,Old college of the Oratoriens

Town residence of Vazelhes

Honoré d’Urfé square

Allard museum

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Town hall

Old convent of the Cordeliers

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Montbrison, county capitalMontbrison, a dynamic town of 16 000 inhabitants, is one of the richesthistoric communes of the department. Former capital of the Forez for seven centuries,its history unravels along its streets and in the important buildings which todayform part of an Architectural and historicalheritage development area.

Origins of the townThe history of the county of Forez and Montbrison, its capital, goes back to theMiddle Ages. At the beginningof the 11th century, the Forezwas integrated into the countyof Lyon and did not yetcorrespond to a political entity.It constituted a border zonewhich was bitterly disputedbetween the German Empireand the kingdom of France.The counts of Lyon quicklyrealised that their power wasjeopardized by the increasingdomination of the Church.

After several decades of oftenviolent conflicts, Guy II, countof Lyon and Forez, and thearchbishop of Lyon, Guichard,reached an agreement in 1137.Called Permutatio, it instigated

the split of the county of Lyoninto 2 distinct entities : on oneside the town of Lyon and theadjoining lands remained in thepossession of the archbishopand on the other side, the countof Forez accepted to restrict his power to the region situatedbetween the mounts of Lyonand Auvergne. The Forez thusbecame an independentautonomous state. Montbrisonbecame the capital and hencebegan the most prosperousperiod of its history. This wasan age of gold which lasted fornearly two centuries, under thereign of the “House of Albon”,or “Viennois”.

The successors of Guy IIpacified, consolidated anddeveloped their county,strengthening their authority byturning towards the kingdom

Montbrison, historic centre, general view of the hill of the Calvary cross. On the left can be seenthe bell-tower of the church of Saint-Pierre as well as the dome of the old Courthouse

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Montbrison in 1732 - ArchivesSemi aerial view of the Calvary at MontbrisonPhoto © Ville de Montbrison/MN Paliard

of France. All the members ofthe House of Albon remainedvery attached to Montbrisonwhere they most often resided.The town was the official seatof their administration, notablyfor taxation and the judiciarysystem, and played a majormilitary role. In the 13th and14th centuries, the counts ofForez, and in particular Guy IV(1196-1241) and Jean 1er

(1276-1333) undertook muchconstruction work and greatlycontributed to the extensionand improvement of the townin what was then a favourableeconomic context. The worksof art which date from thatperiod and still visible today

are the Collegiate church ofNotre-Dame d’Espérance andthe Heraldic hall of the Diana.

Montbrison from 1372to the presentIn 1372, the direct lineage of the “House of Albon” died out. By matrimonialalliance, the county of Forezpassed into the hands of Louis II, Duke of Bourbon. It became part of the domain of the lords of Bourbon, the capital of which wasMoulins. The political role of Montbrison graduallydeclined. On the death of Charles III of Bourbon in 1527, a duke who had no descendants, Forez andBoubonnais were united to the kingdom of France byking François 1er.

In 1542, the Forez was mergedwith the Lyonnais and the

Beaujolais to form thegenerality of Lyon. It wasduring the French Revolution,in 1792, that Montbrison again acquired an importantadministrative function when it became the seat of the Prefecture of the Loire upuntil 1856. However, theindustrial revolution had

transformed Saint-Etienne intoa major economic anddemographic basin in thedepartment and the emperorNapoleon III decided totransfer the Prefecture to thattown. Today, Montbrison is alively enterprising town withjust under 16 000 inhabitants.

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Coat of arms of the Count of Forez

Expression of greatnessFounded in 1223 “in honour ofGod and Blessed Mary still aVirgin”, the Collegiate churchNotre-Dame de l’Espérance(Our Lady of Hope) wascreated by the single desire ofone man, Count Guy IV ofForez(1196-1241). It was asmuch an act of piety asglorification of the dynasty andthe church displays anarchitectural style fitting of a monument belonging to

the capital town. To serve hispolitical ambition, the count of Forez used the fundamentalprinciples of Gothicarchitecture, then a new stylewhich originated in Ile-de-France : greater volumesreaching towards the heavens,mastery of forces, art of theline, light. The dimensions ofthe collegiate church (60mlong, 33m wide, 20m highunder the vault,) perfectlyreflect the expression desiredby the political and religiouspowers. Commenced in 1226,the work proved very costlyand was subjected to thefluctuations of the economic

resources of the county as wellas to the hazards of wars andepidemics. Construction wasprolonged until the beginningof the 16th century. Towardsthe middle of the 14th century,the church took the name ofNotre-Dame d’Espérance (Our Lady of Hope) inreference to a statue of theVirgin placed at that time inthe choir. Its base was carvedwith the word “Espérance”,

motto of the Order of Chevalryof the Ecu d’Or, founded byDuke Louis II of Bourbon, whobecame count of Forez in 1372.

DEPARTURE OF THE TOURForecourt of the Collegiatechurch Notre-Damed’Espérance, rue Notre-Dame

NEXT Follow the rue Loÿs Paponaround the church.

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The Collegiate church of Notre-Dame l’Espérance seen from the hill of the Calvary cross.

View of the chevet of the collegiate church.

The Collegiate churchNotre-Dame-d’Espérance

Rue Notre-Dame1

Guy IV, count of ForezGrandson of Count Guy ll, he controlled the Forez from1206 to 1241. After being orphaned at an early age, he waseducated by his uncle Renaud de Forez, archbishop of Lyon. At the beginning ofhis reign, he pacified the eastern border of the county and established a long periodof peace during which he was able to reinforce his power. Under his reign, thecollegiate church, the Convent of the Cordeliers, the second curtain wall of thecastle situated at the summit of the town, were erected. Engaged in the 6thCrusade to the Holy Lands, Guy lV died on his way home near Otrante in Italy.According to his wishes, he was buried in the Collegiate church which still containshis tomb (lying statue) visible in the choir.

Guy IVMuseum d’Allard,

Montbrison

A monument but also an institution and a town quarterBy founding the Collegiatechurch, Guy lV also created a religious institution, the Chapter which would lastup until the Revolution.Thirteen canons (members ofthe clergy) directed by a dean,made up the Chapter. Its mission was to manage theresources of the institution,organise religious life andteaching. After receivinginstruction in the Chapterschool, the pupils were oftenrecruited in the countyadministration. . The deanexercised considerableauthority over all the parishesin the town. The canons livedin houses standing around theCollegiate church, thus forminga quarter separated from the

town. The layout of this areaaround the church is stillevident even though it nowopens on to the city.

Exterior of theCollegiate churchThe whole edifice was built out of limestone from Ruffieu(Bugey), then from the 15th century onwards, out ofgranite. The west front wascompleted under the reign ofthe Dukes of Bourbon in thesecond half of the 15th century.Originally it was to have twobell-towers flanking the maindoor. Only one, on the northside, was built. A massivestructure, it rises up to 42m,and is reinforced by protrudinglateral buttresses which almostgive it the appearance of a tower-keep. Inside, there arethree bells dating from 1502,

1503 and 1820. The elegantportal, placed in front of thefaçade, is surmounted by fivearches divided into recesses.These alas, have never beenadorned with the statues theywere intended to receive, due to

lack of money. Only a statue ofthe Virgin and Child graces thecentre of the tympanum of theportal. Another doorway,situated on the north side, is preceded by a 14th centuryporch. The south door is morerecent, (19th century). Whengoing back a few paces, it isnoticeable that the nave of thechurch is supported by flyingbuttresses anchored in powerfulmasonry blocks which emergefrom the roofs of the lateralchapels added on later. Thesestructures absorb the lateralthrust of the Gothic rib vaultsused to cover the edifice andhence avoid the sidewaycollapse of the walls.

NEXTEnter the church by the southdoor and go along to the apse(behind the high altar)

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Interior of the churchThe plan of the church issimilar to the cathedral Saint-Jean-de-Lyon. The polygonal apse and choirwere erected at the beginningof the 13th century, and standbeyond the transept whichopens on to chapels. The three-bay nave leads to themain portal. At the end of the Middle Ages, in the 15th century, lateral chapelswere added in the south aisle.The Gothic vaults which coverthe edifice are formed ofdiagonal crossed stone ribstructures which intersect at a central carved keystone.These ribs concentrate themajority of the weight of the vault down on to the pillarswhich then transmit it to the floor. The most originalfeature of the church is

its architectural design. The semi-engaged columnsattached to the pillars give anundulating rhythm to the nave.They are topped with capitalswith a finely carved vegetaldecoration.

NEXTWalk around the interior of the church and go up the aisles.

Simplified chronological plan based on records of M. de Gourmay, architect, assistant to M. Grange-Chavanis A.C.M.H.

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Detail of the nave The undulating effect ofthe columns can be seenfrom the aisles.Photo © Pays du Forez

It was from the top of the pulpit (19th c) that the priestaddressed his instructions and teaching to thecongregation.Photo © Pays du Forez

Detail of the sculptures of the high altarHere, the scene of the burial of Christ

Photo © Pays du Forez

The choir stalls, wooden seats with highbacks which line each side of the choir, were reserved for members of the clergy.Photo © Pays du Forez

• The lying statue of Guy lVSituated at the rear of the apse,the sepulchre of Guy IV has not survived completely intact.It was originally placed in frontof the choir, carried by eightweepers. Only the statue datedfrom the 14th century, restoredmany times, remains today.Guy IV is represented wearingon his head his count’s“barette” ; a sword decoratedwith the dolphin of Forez hangsfrom the leather baldric aroundhis long robe. His feet rest on a lion, symbol of power. Two angels pass a cloth underhis head, while others throwincense jars at his feet.Vandalised by protestants the 14th July 1562, the othertombs of counts were destroyedin 1792.

• Light« I am the light of the world ;he who follows me shall notwalk in darkness but shall havethe light of life ». The Gospelaccording the Saint John, 8, 12.In the 12th century, theologianstold builders to open churchesto the light, considered to be a manifestation of divinity. The large coloured stained glasswindows of the choir and the nave should portray the image of Holy Jerusalem,decked with jewels.The medieval windows of thechurch have disappeared andwere replaced in the 19thcentury during an importantrestoration campaign.The stained glass windowlocated in the centre of the apsebehind the altar is one of the most interesting. It represents the scene of the foundation of the collegiate

church by Guy IV who ishelping his son to place thestone of honour in the presenceof the archbishop of Lyon andthe bishop of Embrun. This same stone of honourengraved in Latin, is visible on the wall underneath the stained glass window. If you turn around and look atthe end of the nave, above thelarge organ loft you can see an impressive rose-windowwith mainly blue and red glasspanes decorated withalternating geometrical andvegetal motifs.

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The stone of honour inscribed in Latin, placed byGuy lV, count of Forez, relates the inauguration ofthe collegiate church.

The lying statue of Guy lV Detail of the central stained glass windowof the apse which illustrates the actof foundation of the church by Guy lV,count of Forez.

This stainedglass window

of the 19th century

has threesections ofillustrations

The technical challenge of stained glassMaking maximum use of the possibility of piercing thewalls, the Gothic builders took risks, particularly withregard to wind which is difficult to control. A gust ofwind at 100 km an hour exerts a pressure of about80kg per square metre. This explains why it wasnecessary to use a dense metallic framework of barsand finer rods to offer maximum resistance.

The cross of Estiallet (early 17th century)

• The organInstrumental music and chantswere omnipresent in religiousceremonies. The organ firstappeared in churches at the endof the Middle Ages and thencame back into fashion in the 19th century with a muchmore powerful technicaldesign. The organ in thechurch is installed in aflamboyant Gothic style loftmade of Tournus stoneand was made bythe Organ-builderin Alsace calledCallinet andinaugurated in1842.

• The treasure of the collegiate churchChasubles, gold and silver plate,reliquaries, crosses and bannersbelonging to brotherhoodsstatues and paintings,ceremonial objects are awitness of the renewal ofreligious possessions from theend of the 17th century to thebeginning of the 19th century.An enterprising and activeparish communityaccompanied the restorationcampaigns throughout the 19th century. The Treasurereveals the creativity of themany different religious artenterprises of the time whichproduced such prodigiousceremonial decorations.

• Sober refined decorationThe walls and vaults wouldhave been decorated withcolourful paintings in the past.Although most of the paintedplaster coatings havedisappeared, there remains arepresentation of Saint Georgeskilling the dragon on the wallon the left of the south portal,as well as a trompe-l’oeildrawing of a floor on the wallof the apse. The cross ofEstiallet, or cross of the saints(17th c, classed historicmonument) fixed to the left-hand side of the altar,has saints carved on its shaft.The sculptures bear the trace of paint, showing howimportant colour was both inthe interior and on the exteriorof churches. In the first half ofthe 19th century, an importantrestoration campaign tookplace in the church following

the degradations of the Revolutionary period.Furniture of refined artistictaste was ordered from talentedartists in Lyon and installed inthe church. The high altar andspectacular organ loft weredesigned by Bossan, who alsoplanned the basilica church ofFourvières in Lyon. The pulpitis the work of the architectsBenoît, father and son, Viscontiand the sculptor Fonton. Theiconography of the decorationis the classical theme of Christand the four Evangelists. The choir stalls themselves, of a neo-gothic style, recall thepositions of the canons ofNotre-Dame in the part whichwas reserved for them.

NEXTGo out of the same door andturn left along FlorimondRobertet street.

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The Callinet organ, classedHistoric Monument, is installed in a finely worked Neo-gothic loftout of limestone.

Saint Aubrin, protecting the town of MontbrisonE. Dessert © Région Rhône-Alpes,General inventory of cultural heritage,2005, A.D.A.G.P

Saint-George killing the dragon(painting 13th c)E. Dessert © Région Rhône-Alpes,General inventory of culturalheritage, 2005, A.D.A.G.P

Storied stained-glass window 19th c.E. Dessert © Région Rhône-Alpes,General inventory of cultural heritage, 2004, A.D.A.G.P

Detail of the altar piece of the chapel of the Virginsigned Fabish, representingSaint Cécile, patron saint of musicians

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Edified at the end of the 13th century, probably for themarriage of count John 1st ofForez to Alix of Viennois, theheraldry hall of the Diana hasspectacular painted decoration.Nearly 1728 coats of armsadorn the Gothic coffered vault.Although they have not all beenspecifically identified, the noblefamilies that they represent,

from the king of France to localnobility, offer us an instantpicture of the diplomaticrelations which the Count ofForez maintained within andoutside his territory at thebeginning of the 14th century.This magnificent hall was usedfor a long time for the stateassemblies of the nobility of theForez. François 1ier was a guestthere in 1536. As royal heir ofthe county, he gave the hall tothe Chapter of the collegiatechurch of Notre-Dame. Canonswere solemnly invested thereand occasionally entertainingevents organised. The hallacquired the name Diana whichwas an alteration of the worddecania (dean of the chapter).

It was confiscated as Nationalproperty in 1789 and put tovarious uses before beingrestored from 1863 to 1864when it became the seat of theHistoric and Archaeologicalsociety of Forez. The richlydoted archives and thearchaeological museum are inthe Hall of the Diana.

Salle Héraldique de la Diana7, rue Florimond RobertetInfos : 04 77 96 01 10Web : www.ladiana.com

NEXTIf you wish, enter the HeraldryHall of the Diana by the glassdoor situated to the right of the facade.

NEXTAfter going out of the HeraldicHall of the Diana, turn right. Go alongside the chevet of the collegiate church to reach the quays of the Vizézy. Cross the river by the footbridge to reach the rue Tupinerie.

Situated by the chevet of the church, the hall of the Dianapossesses spectacular painted decoration.

Façade of the Diana

Alix de ViennoisDetail of sculpted heads in a neo-medieval style on the 19th century façade of the Diana

Representation of the Pastoral in thehall of the DianaFrench manuscripts in the Britishmuseum, BnF.

John lst of Forez (1276 – 1333)John 1st, great grandson of Guy lV, was one of the most important counts ofhis lineage. His reign marked the height of the power of the county of Forez.In particular, he carried out vast reforms of his administration by creating thechamber of accounts in 1317 which was responsible for the control of thefinances of the county. He was one of the close collaborators of king PhilippeIV le Bel.

Heraldry hall of the Diana7, rue Florimond Robertet2

John 1st of Forez ( detail of the facade)

Rue TupinerieIn the Middle Ages, it was, with theneighbouring streets, the economic heart of the town, whereas the houses of important citizens and administrationswere localised close to the county castle. This remains the most important shoppingstreet of the town centre. The quays of the river Vizézy which runs alongsidewere built in 1884. Many bridges link thestreet to the church quarter. At the end of the 13th century, several activities werecarried out on the riverside : fulling mills,blanching of hemp and tanneries.

Maison Papon, named after Jehan Papon,High Judge of Forez (1505 ou 1507 -1590). Although thefaçade has been modified and the windows enlarged, it sillconserves a gothic door with four centred arch, leadinginto an interior courtyard from where one of the higheststair turrets in the town is visible.

12, rue du Marché

Rue du Marché Together with the rue Martin Bernardwhich immediately follows, the rue duMarché formed part of the route of the Great Path of the Forez which passedthrough the county from north to south,linking it to the fairs of Champagne andthe ports of Languedoc via the south of the Massif Central. This was a very busyroad which saw a consequential residentialand commercial development of which the arcades on shops and houses providethe evidence. In the 17th century, the streetwas marked by the activity of the silk-weaving workshops installed on the ground floor of the houses.

Maison Robertet (classified Historic Monument) ; Door dated 1587. The symetrical organisation of the house front was inspired by ornamental fantasies of the Renaissance. The Robertet family, installed in Montbrison since the 14th century, had severaldistinguished members : Jehan Robert (died in 1502) who was secretary to king Charles VIII et Florimond(1458-1527), his son who became successively treasurer of kings Charles VIII, Louis XII et François Ier.

14, rue Martin Bernard

Rue Martin BernardThe dwellings of noble families which youwill generally discover along the old streets,cover a large period from the end of the15th century to the18th century. They arenoticeable for their sober lines and refineddecoration : moulded doors and windows,sculpted medallions etc. The house front onthe street often dissimulates an ornamentalinterior courtyard.

N°25 : Detail of the ceiling of the drawing-room on the first floor. Called the house of Lions (HM), it datesfrom the Renaissance. The sturdy compartmented ground floor, surmounted by a row of lion heads, supports two floors above. The first floor has windowswith crossed mullions, crowned with triangular orcircircular pediments. It was built at the beginning of the17th century by Pierre Henrys, brother of the judicialadvisor Claude Henrys.

25, rue Martin Bernard

When arriving at rue Tupinerie, turn left and then take the first street on your right. The rue du Marché and then the rue Martin Bernardwill lead you towards the upper town.

NEXTAt the top of the rue Martin Bernard, take the rue Pasteur on your right. Go along the square of the same name and you will discover the façade of the oldchapel of the Penitents on your right.

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The old town, streets and quartersAfter leaving the area around the church, and crossing the riverVizézy, you are free to explore the old town which stretchesfrom its shopping area, right up to the remains of the castle.

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Chapel of the Penitents

Place des Pénitents

The facade of the chapel of the Penitents ofConfolon (classed Historic Monument, 2ndand 3rd quarters 18th century) stands a littleoff the square. In addition to its architecturaldecoration terminating at the summit by abell tower crowned by a polygonal bulb, thefaçade is adorned with a discreet sculptedornamentation : foliage scrolls, small angels,garlands, palm leaves, medallions. Created atthe end of the 13th century in Lyon by SaintBonaventure, the brotherhood was revivedduring the Religious wars. The one inMontbrison was founded in 1591 by Anned’Urfé, general lieutenant of the Forez and its vocation was to organise all forms ofreligious piety (services, processions) andcharity. Today the chapel has become atheatre classified as a “regional stage”.

Rue Saint-PierreThis street used to be inhabited by magistrates and royal officers, membersof the nobility of the sword and the robe.

The hôtel de Vaugirard (14th – 15th century)belonged to a trading family in which thethird generation acceded to the charge ofroyal councillor and crown attorney in thejudicial district of Montbrison. The pavedinterior courtyard with a well and spiralstaircase features overlying decoration of several different periods, from the end of the Middle Ages to the beginning of the Renaissance. This early Renaissanceresidence shows a new decorative styleinspired by the castle of la Bâtie d’Urfé inForez : unified ornamentation of the façade,windows with crossed mullions, ionicpilasters. The diversity of old doors inMontbrison is remarkable.

Here we have a late Renaissance door,flanked by grooved pilasters with Corinthiancapitals holding up an entablature. The openwork tympanum allows air to pass through the alley.

7, rue Saint-Pierre

13, rue Saint-Pierre

NEXTGo back to the rue Martin Bernard. Turn right up the street and reach the following street, the rue Saint-Pierre.

NEXTGo back into the rue Saint-Pierre and pauseto admire the facade of the old convent of the Visitation, then take the rue du Palais de Justice on your right.

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Hôtel de Saint-Pulgent

Hôtel de Saint-Pulgent,

corridor

Hôtel Vaugirard

detail

Hôtel Vaugirard

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Ramparts Calvary quarterNEXT(along the boulevard then the Montée des Visitadines)

Court of Justice, Old convent of the VisitandinesE. Dessert © Région Rhône-Alpes, General inventoryof cultural heritage, 2006, A.D.A.G.P

The dome of the court of Justice, old chapel ofthe convent of the Visitandines

Montbrison, town of conventsIn addition to its past public andadministrative functions, Montbrisonshould also be remembered as a town ofconvents from the Middle Ages onwards.These increased in number during the 17th century due to the Catholic Counter-Reform movement which aimed to preventthe expansion of the protestant faith. The large body of energetic parish clergywas reinforced by new congregations andinstitutions which settled on the hill of the Calvaire which completely lost its defensive function. By the 17th century,teaching orders such as the convent of the Ursulines, which became the petitSéminaire (Small seminary) in 1804, theconvent of the Visitation and not far fromthere, at the foot of the hill, the college of the Oratory. All these buildings weretransformed into schools andadministrations after the Revolution.

Convent of the Visitation

rue Saint-Pierre/montée des Visitandines

This is the first building you will see on theleft of the rue de la Palais de Justice, builtfrom 1670 onwards with the stones of theold county castle situated just above anddemolished at the end of the Revolution.Thirty years later, the convent extended toinclude the saint Mary chapel, which wasused as a court during the Revolution.In the 19th century, the police station wasinstalled in this vast edifice from 1804 to1946, and the prison from 1793 to 1957.Today the building is occupied by the musicand dance schools of Montbrison and theindustrial tribunal. The convent of theVisitation is easy to recognise on account of

the spectacular dome above the old chapel.From the rue Saint-Pierre, it is possible toobserve the edifice designed in 1700 by the architect martin de Noinville in a neo-classical style. The main front ofthe building has a large staircase whichleads up to a monumental doorway flankedby two columns with Corinthian capitalscrowned by a triangular pediment. Above the doorway, a clock is placed in a bull’s eye. The façade is crowned with a curved entablature adorned withflame ornaments on the sides behind whichrises the dome topped with a lantern.Inside there is just one nave covered with a wooden ceiling with fern decoration.A decoration of grisaille paintings executedby Giovanni Zaccheo in 1854 showstrophies of Justice and many differentallegories, accompanied by sentences in Latin in trompe-l’oeil panels. The convent became a criminal court in1792, then court of Assises where severalfamous court cases were enacted, such asthat of the anarchist Ravachol in 1892.

NEXTGo back a little way and take the passageway under the old chapel of Saint-Mary (on your left). Then go up the stairs to a first esplanade. Go across towards the main building and walk through the covered passage on the ground floor to the car park of the music centre Pierre Boulez. Cross the car park and at the end take the rue de la Visitation on your right. You will go past the wholelength of the convent wall. At the end, go up the rue du Collège whichwill take you to the summit of Calvary hill.This is an exceptional view point over thesouthern part of the town.

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The defensive systemof the townWhen continuing further, you will reach the south side of Calvary hill. The rampartswhich have become the town wall walk,date from the first half of the 13th century.They formed the second line of defence of the county castle edified at the summitof Calvary hill at the end of the 11thcentury. At the end of the Middle Ages, the county castle included a crenulatedquadrangular tower keep covered with a slightly sloping roof and a secondimposing tower situated on the north side.A large two storey building with manywindows was occupied by the court ofauditors of Forez in the 15th century and in the 16th century by the Audience of justice. The castle was protected

by a circular crenulated wall withouttowers, accessible by an eastern gate. The castle was pulled down in 1596. For a long time, the medieval town had no fortifications until, after beingransacked several times during theHundred year war, walls were erected in 1428. Within ten years, the town wasenclosed by a high wall with 46 towers andseven gates. This third defensive enclosurewhich was in bad state and in danger ofcollapse was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century to extend and air thetown. It has been replaced by the presentboulevard. The promenade of the rampartsprovides an excellent view over the southern part of Montbrison over the roofs. Just below, there is the oldconvent of the Ursulines which has become

the private school of Saint-Paul Forez and further away, the collegiate churchquarter and the massive silhouette of thechurch tower. To the west, the town isbordered by the first hills of the mounts of Forez. The three monumental crosseserected in 1870 replaced an older Calvary.This was the arrival point of a Way of the cross that Jean-Baptiste Allard hadinstalled on the hill at the beginning of the 19th century. Today Calvary hill is being rehabilitated by the commune.

NEXTGo back down the rue du Calvaire then the rue du Palais de Justice on the left.Walk past the cross-road in front of the old chapel of Saint Mary and continueup until the sub-prefecture.

Ramparts Calvary quarter

View over Montbrison from the calvary at the end

of the Middle Ages, taken from the Armorial de Revel (around 1450).

National Library of France.

Convent of the Cordeliers

Church of Saint Andrew

County castle

Collegiate churchNotre-Dame

Water-filled ditches

Barrière tower 13th century

13th century wall

15th century ramparts

Tower keep

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Sub-prefecture

Square Honoré d’Urfé

The sub-prefecture of Montbrison islocated in the old college of the Oratoriensbuilt at the beginning of the 17th century.The members of the order of the Oratory,founded in 1611 by Pierre de Bérulle, werepriests who were renowned for their liberalspirit, relative tolerance and a distinct tastefor historical and scientific studies inspiredby Descartes. The order was called toMontbrison to organise the instruction of young boys. They introduced a neweducational approach by teaching in Frenchinstead of Latin right from the early yearsof schooling. After two successive fires, thebuildings were reconstructed in 1784 by the architect Louis Dubost. They were builtin a U shaped form between the courtyardand the garden and were taken over

at the Revolution to be used as thePrefecture up until 1856. They then became the sub-prefecture. The old chapel in the west wing which was later transformed into a ceremonial room, the large entrance halland main staircase, are decorated withremarkable trompe-l’oeil paintingsexecuted by Giovanni Zaccheo in the firsthalf of the 19th century.

Hôtel de Vazelhes

1, rue du Palais de Justice

(4th quarter 18th c- 1st half 19th c)Situated opposite the sub-prefecture, it is one of the examples of dwellings at the end of the 18th century whichadopted the style of a private townresidence. Unlike the houses seen in theprevious streets, squeezed into a narrowarea of land, this residence is built on a vastland plot including a garden surrounded by high walls. The decoration is quiteplain. In the rue Puy-de-la-Bâtie, edifices of the same period possess greatmonumental staircases in the interior,giving a true ceremonial aspect to theground floor.

Square Honoré d’Urfé Inaugurated in 2012, the square Honoré d’Urfé has been totally re-plannedin a composite style partly inspired by thelayout of “Jardins à la française”. These feature flowerbeds surrounded by trimmed hedges of boxwood andrectilinear alleyways converging towards a fountain. Many allusions are made to the pastoral novel about L’Astrée, written by Honoré d’Urfé (1567-1625),particularly the fountain of the Truth of Love which possesses powers of clairvoyance and the maze signifyingwanderings and the search of one’s soul.

Continue along the small Rue de la Préfecture which will take you to theboulevard de la Préfecture. Turn left down the boulevard. You will reach the museum of Allard and the garden of the same namejust beyond.

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The sub-prefecture area

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Great hall and main staircase of the sub-Prefecture

Detail of the ceiling of the old chapel of the Oratory, which is the reception area of the sub-prefecture today

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Museum of Allard and garden of Allard

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Museum The museum is installed in the old privateresidence with garden built by Jean-Baptiste Allard, member of themilitary house of king Louis XVl. Three different themes are explored by the museum : Beaux-Arts, Naturalhistory and the World of childhood, which includes amongst others, a rich collection of GéGé dolls which wereproduced at Moingt.

Garden

avenue d’Allard

This private garden which became public in 1857 was designed to fit in with theimportant campaign of work carried out by the commune at the end of the 18th century to air and improve the aspectof the town. The garden of Allard offeredthe inhabitants of Montbrison anotherleisure area in addition to the promenade in the tree-lined boulevards. Redesigned in an English style in 1856 by Eugène Büller, creator of the Parc de la Têted’Or in Lyon, the garden is planted with acollection of remarkable trees.

Musée d’Allard13, boulevard de la PréfectureInfos : 04 77 96 39 15Web : www.ville-montbrison.fr

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In 2012, the museum placed a new emphasis onthe collections of the curiosity cabinet belongingto Jean-Baptiste Allard which had led to thecreation of the first museum in the department ofthe Loire in 1810. Born in Montbrison in 1769,married with no descendants, living off his privateincome, Jean-Baptiste Allard devoted his life to thecollection of often extraordinary “curiosities”,which he bequeathed to the town in 1848. Inspiredby a rational intellectual approach, he collectedobjects which he placed in four categories :mineral, animal, vegetal and human. Curiositycabinets could be defined as a taste for theunknown and the unlimited, they had beenessential in the development of modern sciencesince the 16th century.

Portrait of Jean-Baptiste d’Allard

Pigeon naturalized(museum of Allard -Curiosity cabinets)

Go back in the direction of the boulevard de la Préfecture which will take you to thePlace Eugène Baune where the Hôtel de Ville issituated, the old convent of the Cordeliers.

Hôtel garden of Allard(old postcard)

Martine GéGédoll,

Photo ©Musée d’Allard

Chapel of the convent of the Cordeliers South façade of the old chapel of the Cordeliers in 1858 (drawing Henri Gonnard - collection Louis Bernard)

A little historyProbably founded by the lordof Lavieu between 1220 and1240, the convent of theCordeliers (Franciscan monks)contributed to the urbanexpansion of the town whichalready had three parishes,three hospitals and a collegiatechurch. The church oppositethe tourist information was consecrated in 1272. At present, it is composed of a single nave. The originalplan certainly aimed to respectthe desire for simplicity wishedby Franciscan monks who ledan exemplary life founded on total poverty andpreaching. The church wasplanned to include a singlenave without a transept and a choir. Throughout the 13th,14th and 15th centuries, many donations were made to

improve and extend thebuildings. Lateral chapels wereadded to the south end of the church. Built in 1282,the cloisters form a squarecourtyard surrounded on threesides by covered roundedarcades joined to the buildings.The fourth side, still covered in the west, looked over thecemetery.

Convent of the CordeliersPlace Eugène Baune

The old convent of the Cordeliers was chosen by the Loire-Forez urban district to house a new media library head of network. This project offered the occasion for archaeology to study one of the oldest convents in the town for the first time. An archaeological diagnostic led by the INRAP in 2010-2011 and excavations carried out in 2012in the interior and exterior of the church, provided more extensive knowledge of the site.New questions concerning the chronology of construction and the organisation of the buildings in the medieval period have been raised.

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The archaeological excavations in the interior and exterior of the church of the Cordeliers have produced a large number of sepulchres. Opposite: discovery of a processional cross in bronze

Results of thearchaeologicaldiagnosticAbout sixty individualsepulchres have been discoveredinside and outside the church,with a density of 12 to 16sepulchres on 6 to 7 m2 onthree to five levels. This highdensity has been confirmed by the excavations of 2012 and attests the attraction of the convent as a burial site. The sepulchres were found inthe interior of the church, in the galleries of the cloisters,on the south side of the churchand stretching towards thechevet and in front of the westfront. The galleries of thecloisters, the church and the chapels seem to have beenreserved for the wealthiestmembers of the population and the clergy.

Little archaeological furniturehas been discovered. It is mostly composed ofceramics, money and religiousor funerary objects (end 14th-15th c). Among the mostinteresting discoveries was adecorated bronze processionalcross (14th c) placed in a tombin the nave, and a silver medaland pearls in a necklace of rosary beads worn aroundthe hand of a deceased personin one of the lateral chapels.The almost total lack of objectsfrom the 13th century raises the problem of the true date of the church which does notseem to correspond to the dateof foundation. Would therehave been an older chapeloutside the perimeter of theexcavations ? A subject to bepursued…Valuable historical evidence hasgiven support to the

architectural project for the media library whichconcentrates the rehabilitationof the church on the evocationof the former volumes of theedifice.

END OF TOURTourist informationoffice of Montbrison Moingt

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Project of the media library

Gallo-RomanMoingt(1st – 3rd cent AD)

In the 19th century, the site of Sainte Eugénierevealed the existence of ancient Gallo-Romanthermal baths of exceptional dimensions.Together with the theatre situated nearby, they are witness to the importance of Moingtas a cultural centre and spa which has leftremains spreading over 15 hectares. This future archaeological reserve has become the object of a long termconservation and development programme.

The baths(site of Sainte Eugénie)As early as 1674, the canonJean-Marie de la Mureconsidered these as the remainsof a temple of Cérès. The edifice was turned into a dime collection centre theninto a priory in the MiddleAges. It possessed a churchdedicated to Saint Eugenie. The buildings were occupied in1804 by Saint Clare nuns, thenin 1821 by a trimmings factoryand later transformed into a private residence during theSecond Empire. The edifice was identified in 1876 as beingancient thermal baths. The municipality acquired the site in 1989 with the aid of the State, the Region and theDepartment. The site is listed

as a Historic Monument. From 1991 to 1993, several archaeological studieswere carried out on theremains. The sector of thethermal baths alreadydiscovered may cover 1850m2 ;this would class Moingt (AquaeSegetae) among the largestpublic thermal baths in theRhône-Alpes. The chronologyof the construction of baths at Moingt has not yet beenprecisely determined. However, various differentdiscoveries suggest that the ancient town of Moingtwas abandoned in the secondhalf of the third century AD.Although archaeologicalinvestigations have been of a limited nature up untilpresent, they have increasedour knowledge of the site.

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AV. THERMALE

RUE DE SAINT-ETIENNE

RUE DU PANORAMA

RUE DE MONTPLAISIR R

UE D

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RR

IERES

RUE DE LA PLANCHE

RUE DU SURIZET

ROCADE SUD

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RUE DES SARRASINS

RUE CENTRALE

RUE NEUVEBLD DE L’EGLISE

AROUNDMONTBRISON

SiteSainte-Eugénieand thermal baths

Theater

Medievalcentre

TOWARDSST-ETIENNEP

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The site of Sainte-Eugénie is largely made up of the walls ofthe ancient Gallo-Roman thermal baths. Photo © Pays du ForezFind your way around Moingt

The decoration of the Romanesque belltower of the church of Saint-Julien is slightlysimilar to the ornamentation of Roman public buildings, with patterns ofmulticoloured stones and geometrical motifs

The vast quadrilateral buildingin the park is the result of theaddition of buildings in theMiddle Ages, the chapel ofSainte Eugénie and its gothicportal are the only visibleremains of these, to antiqueconstructions. Most of thewalls up to a height of 10to 12 metres in certain places,were conserved. The onlymodifications to the antiquewalls were the building in ofwindows at different periods.These changes are confirmedby the presence of a basin to the south of the buildings,parallel to the façade, 43m by 8m, terminating with a half-moon in the east.Remains of a hypocaust(underground heating system by stove to heat the baths andthe different rooms) have been

found close to the basin. The thermal baths also had a large sports ground (called palestre) limited in theeast by a high wall againstwhich porticos (galleries heldup by two rows of columns)and shops were built.

Antique theatreRecognised around 1849, the antique theatre of Moingtwas built over two periods (2nd half of the 1st century –beginning of the 3rd century). It could contain 7 300 to 8 000spectators ; only a few walls of the cavea which containedthe tiered seating are visibletoday, called locally : “walls ofthe Saracens”. Two campaignsof study carried out 1995 and1996 showed that a previous

theatre structured out of earthhad existed here. The antique theatre of Moingtwas composed of three parts.

• A stage closed (A) by a stagewall (the stage measured 22mlong by 7m wide with anglesconsolidated by buttresses). The theatre of Moingt wasunusual in that it possessed a mobile stage, with a removable floor to serve also for games in the arena.This is why it is called acombined theatre, sincedepending on its needs, it could offer stageperformances or arena shows.

• The orchestre (B)This is the flat section betweenthe stage and the tiered seating.Important citizens sat here on

removable chairs during stageperformances. This part wasleft empty for arena shows.

• The cavea (CThe name given to the tieredseating on the slope. The caveaof the theatre of Moingt hadthe form of the arc of a largecircle : 42m radius, 80mcircumference. It included 26 rows of seats, to whichseveral more were added forstage performances, bringing its capacity up to between 7 300 and 8 000 spectators.There were three entrancedoors into the cavea, whichitself was divided into 6 parts.The recent archaeologicalexcavations have revealed that the seating was terraced in earth and covered with woodor stone slabs.

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Walls of the ancient Gallo-Roman theatre Aerial view of the antique Gallo-Roman combined theatre at Moingt

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Region of art and history, a designated status given by the minister of culture and communication. The Forez has been classified « Region of Art and History » since 1999 and recognised for thequality of its landscapes, its historic architectural heritage and its traditional crafts and industries.« Towns and regions of art and history » is a national designated status attributed by the Ministry of culture and communication to local communities engaged in restoration and development programmes for their heritage. This status guaranties the quality of cultural and historical activities organised by qualified staff. Today a network of 163 towns and regionsoffer you their competence all over France.

Heritage visitors service…Visits are organised all through the year for the local population and tourists as well aseducational visits and workshops for school children. The service is available to study any project. The programme can be found on the web site: www.paysduforez.fr.For group visits, see offers of themes proposed by the Region of Art and History of the Forez on www.foreztourisme.fr.

… Explore the Forez in the company of a heritage guide authorized by the ministry of culture and communicationThe guide who welcomes you knows all the aspects of the Forez and will help you to understandthe landscapes, traditional activities, and history as you visit the emblematic monuments, townsand villages of the Forez.

Information, reservations :Syndicat mixte des Pays du ForezPays d’art et d’histoire du ForezPlace du Prieuré BP 1442600 CHAMPDIEUTél : 04 77 97 70 35Fax : 04 77 97 05 92Courriel : contact@paysduforez.frSite : www.paysduforez.fr

Produced with the financial support of

Montbrison Moingt - Illustrations : Loire-Forez tourist information centre, Regional inventory service, National Library of France, town of Montbrison,Moingt, MN Palliard, Pays du Forez syndicate,Loire-Forez urban district, Jemaja Dujc.Texts : Forez Region of Art and History, with the kind collaboration of Loire-Forez tourist information, the commune and municipal archives of Montbrison Moingt.

Champdieu - Illustrations : commune of Champdieu, Pays du Forez syndicate, National Library of France.Texts : Forez region of Art and History (Pays du Forez syndicate) with the kind collaboration of the Loire-Forez tourist information.

Design : Catherine Ornon - Printed by : Decombat - Translation : Janet Darne

The tale ofChampdieu

Region of Art and History of ForezVisitor’s guide

Romanesque Art Centre in the Forez: the buildersof the year One Thousand. Permanent exhibition.

Priory church, view from the cloisters Overhead view of the cloisters

Romanesque ArtCentre in the Forez :monks and buildersaround the year OneThousand

Tourist information Porte de Bise26, rue Bégonnet BironTél. 04 77 97 02 68

To explore Champdieu and themonastery buildings of the Forez

is to become immerged in the history of a formidable human adventure and religiouseffervescence which produced the master pieces of Romanesqueworks of art from the end of the 10th century to the 12th century. Situated next to the fortified gate of Bise, theRomansesque Art Centre in the Forez explains why there was such a massive settlement

of monasteries in the Forez and in Europe. It shows theorganisation of a building site of a rural priory and also the dailylife of the monks. This is a goodintroduction to understanding apriory.

The fortifications of the priory When entering the historic villagethrough the Gate of Bise, (14thcentury) the visitor is surprised bythe imposing fortifications addedto the outside walls of the priory.They are formed of machicolationon buttresses with parapet onarches which continue along thetop of the church. A circulartower completes the defensivesystem on the façade. A wall walk

provided a path to make a tour of the buildings. The fortificationsof the priory and the village wereerected during the Hundred Yearwar (1337 - 1453) when the Forezwas regularly pillaged.

The prioryFounded by the abbey of Manglieu in Auvergne around the end of the 10thcentury or the beginning of the11th century, the priory ofChampdieu is mentioned inmanuscripts in 1212 ; It iscomposed of a Romanesquechurch built over a crypt as wellas monastery buildings organisedaround cloisters and conserved in the same state as in the Middle Ages.

*Machicolation : from “mâcher” -crush ; balcony at the top of walls ortowers with openings in the floor toobserve the enemy below or dropdown projectiles or incendiarymatter.

*Priory : monastery directed by aprior. Priories, founded by importantabbeys, were small rural subsidiariesserved by a limited number of monks(between 3 and 20 in the Forez).

An important centre of monastic art in the ForezSituated on the wine-growing slopes of the mountsof Forez, Champdieu is a fortified village which grew up around a priory founded in the 11th century. The remarkable restoration of its architectural heritage, its participation in the network “Strongholds of the Forez” and “Villages of character in the Loire” make it an outstanding historical place.

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Painting in the old refectory representing the Last Supper (first half of the 15th century) Capital with two-tailed mermaid

• CloistersThe main entrance to the priory is situated on the north side.Above the door, there is a recessoccupied by a statue of Saint Benoît whose rule governedthe life of monks. A porch coveredwith painted wooden panels opens into the cloisters, which aresurrounded by buildingscorresponding to the daily life of the monks. The monasterybuildings were entirely restoredfrom 1450 to 1505 by the priorPierre de la Bâtie. On the groundfloor, there are still the commonrooms, bakery, kitchen, the refectory decorated with frescoes and equipped with amonumental fireplace, cellars andreserves. The chapter house usedto be situated on the east of thecloisters, it was demolished in the19th century. The first floor,accessible by a wooden gallery and a spiral staircase, wasoccupied by the prior’s lodgingsand the monks’ dormitory. The second floor was occupied by the eaves, drying areas, barns and galetas (sort of smalllodgings under roofs).

• RefectoryThis is the only room, apart fromthe prior’s lodgings above, whichpossesses a monumental fireplace.It is adorned with a paintingrepresenting the Last Supper, the last meal of Christ (first half of 15th century). The ceiling of the refectory is decorated withpanelling painted in white, blue and red. The monksassembled here for their frugaldaily meal. They were obliged to eat in silence, to eat and drinkthe products of their farmproperties in moderate quantities.

The church of Saint Sébastien and saint DomninThis was certainly already a priory church in the 11th century, it is of a simple,sober design as all theRomanesque churches of the Forez. Outside, in addition to the fortifications alreadymentioned, two bell towers can be seen. One of them, of a Romanesque style, rises abovethe crossing of the transept

and is finely worked. Alternatinggeminate bays surmounted by blind arcades, occupy the openwork sides of the towerand offer similarities with the belltower of the abbey of Ainay in Lyon. The second bell tower, of a more austere aspect, rises above the entrance portal ofthe church. It has a Romanesquebase but its summit was probablyreconstructed at the end of the Middle Ages.

• The high churchEntrance is through a Romanesqueportal in the plain style typical of the Forez. Here, there is no tympanum carved with biblicalscenes but a simple round archwith voussoirs springing from two sculpted capitals. One is decorated with a two-tailedmermaid symbolising the dangerous seduction of illusions and temptations. The other is decorated with anacanthus leaf, a classical theme of sculpture for the Romans,which symbolises the victory of glory over obstacles. The planof the high church in the form of a

cross is classical (12th century).The nave, preceded by a narthex*,is covered with a barrel vault and flanked by two supportingside-aisles covered with half-spherical vaults. Above thenarthex*, a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael dominates the nave. At the end of the nave,the raised choir above the crypt is formed of an apse flanked by two small apsidal chapels.Although the church had the double purpose of servingmonastery and parish, most of it was reserved for the monks. The inhabitants followed mass led by a chaplain in one of the lateral chapels of the choir.

*Narthex : entrance or lobby area atthe end of the nave reserved forpeople who received religiousinstruction but who had not yetbeen baptised and were not allowedinto the church.

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• The capitalsThe church possesses a largenumber of Romanesque capitalswith a geometrical, vegetal orfigurative decoration.Romanesque sculpture offers avision of the world at that time,agitated by the perpetualcombat between vice and virtue.This was a universe of rigidhierarchy, harmoniously orderedand governed by God.

• The cryptThere are only four churches inthe Forez with Romanesquecrypts: Saint-Romain-Le-Puy,Saint-Just Saint-Rambert, Saint-Jean-Soleymieux. The church ofChampdieu, composed of an apseflanked by two small chapelsadorned with columns andcapitals, is light and has astriking finely-carved decorationbased mainly on a vegetal theme.Accessible by two staircases, thisis a pilgrimage church. Initiallydedicated to Saint Sebastien, asecond patron saint, SaintDomnin, a young martyr of the4th century, was added in the11th century. In the centre of thecrypt, placed on an altar,there isa sculpture representing theinfant Virgin (19th century)which attracted pilgrims up untilthe Second World War.

An illustrated walk« Champdieu, a thousand years of history »An illustrated walk will help youto discover the historic heritageof Champdieu, starting from theplace du Ruillat. It will take youinto the priory, along the townwall walk, and through the

suburbs with their interestingrural architecture: vineyards,orchards, farmyards enclosed by traditional porches, small vinehouses, pigeon lofts are waitingto be discovered along thispleasant walk. Two shortwalking tours: the “Circuit de laMadone” (8km) and the “Circuitdes Hérons” (10km) will leadyou through vines and ponds.

An example of recuperationof ancient mythology by the churchCarved on one of the capitals of thesouth pillar of the transept, at thepoint of contact with the dome,there are two atlantes which offer a direct reference to Greekmythology. Atlas, the “bearer”, wasa Titan. After the revolt of theTitans against the Olympian gods,Atlas was condemned by Zeus tohold up the world until someonereplaced him…

Descend the staircase on the left of the choir, behind the benches.

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1Startingpoint

Bridge of Ruillat Washing basin

Starting point

Bridge of Ruillat

Gate of Bise

Wine house

Monastery buildings

Church

Old hospital

Le chemin des Efossés

Town hall and schools

La place du Chauffour

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Informations

� Walking tour

Illustratedwalking tour