The Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church is located in the commune of La Chapelle-sous-Brancion, in the department of Saône-et-Loire, 12 km west of Tournus.
It was built during the second half of the 12th century in a Romanesque style. However, in 1893, the nave was rebuilt according to the plans of the architect Blanc de Tournus who integrated the bases of the original Romanesque walls.
We observe that the apse composed of a semi-circular apse decorated with arcatures and columns (partly degraded) has also been preserved and is a fine example of rural Romanesque architecture. This same apse is pierced by three bays and has retained its slate roof (flat stones cut from schistose rock).
As for the bell tower, it overcomes the crossing of the transept and its top floor includes twin bays.
Listed in the Inventory, the church houses a Virgin accompanied by two cherubs, and at the level of the cul-de-four of the apse, a wall fresco evoking the coronation of the Virgin was unearthed in 2002 : the statue and the painting are classified as objects.
Note that the church is one of the hundred or so sites punctuating the “Chemins du roman en Mâconnais Sud Bourgogne” and is therefore the subject of dedicated signage.
This beautiful example of Romanesque architecture can mark a walk near the medieval city of Brançion.
Information from the Tournus tourist office on +33 3 85 27 00 20.