Just like the Church of Saint-Nizier in Lyon or the Abbey of Tournus, this church was selected for inclusion on the list of historic monuments in France as early as 1840. For a simple, little-known village church, this is truly remarkable. Let’s take a closer look at this building, which, given its size and history, offers us much more than just a simple country bell tower.
Saint-André Church, the top attraction in the Ain
The church is located in the town of Saint-André-de-Bâgé. It dates back to the 12th century and was built on the foundations of an old chapel, the site of which would later be incorporated into the Abbey of Tournus (located 40 kilometers to the north). The idea was to build a church “worthy of the name.” So hats off to the architect and the craftsmen of the time. Given the result, it’s safe to say they rose to the challenge with flying colors.
The church continued to serve its religious functions until it was miraculously spared from the revolutionary wave of 1792, when, in the wake of the French Revolution, a vast majority of bell towers were simply razed to the ground. In the Ain department, all churches and chapels were demolished between 1792 and 1794, except… the Church of Saint-André-de-Bâgé, which was apparently overlooked (or not noticed). That’s quite something for a church the size of a twelve-story building. One can’t help but worry about the eye doctors of that era!
Inside, you’ll find neither an organ nor an altar, as the church no longer serves a religious function. The interior walls are covered in whitewash, and its wooden roof structure gives the place a unique character. Its bell tower is strikingly similar to that of Cluny Abbey, built with the same layout. Today, the site hosts exhibitions and sometimes even concerts.
A region with 1,001 treasures
It would be a real shame to make the trip and “only” see Saint-André Church. It’s an astonishing and magnificent building, to be sure, but the area is home to so many other beautiful sights. We highly recommend, for example, visiting the Solutré Rock. The site offers views reminiscent of Monument Valley, right in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards.
Are you more into heritage? Head to the Royal Monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse, which remains one of the most beautiful buildings in our Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Alternatively, stop by Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, which hosts one of France’s most beautiful markets every Saturday morning under a 17th-century market hall…
