Romanesque church of St-André-de-Bagé
The most beautiful Romanesque building in the Ain…
The twelfth-century church occupies the site of an old Carolingian chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew, which did not pass into the hands of the Sires de Bagé until after the tenth century. The Sire Ulrich I of Bagé gave it to Pierre, Abbot of Tournus, so that he could establish a priory there. Remains of the foundations of the original chapel are still visible at the base of the nave walls. The spire of the octagonal bell tower rises to 37 meters above the ground.
On the façade, there is an alternation of Lombard bands and twin bays. The capitals of the columns of the portal contrast a vegetal ornament on the left and a historiated scene on the right where Saint Peter and Christ were represented. The regularity of its proportions and the lightness of its openings symbolize “the ascent to infinity”.
Opening hours : all year round, key available at the tourist information office in Bâgé-le-Châtel (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm), French, English and German audio guides on site.
Church open every day from mid-July to mid-August during the summer art exhibition and during the European Heritage Days by the association “les amis du site, Bâgé, Culture et Loisirs”. Guided tour on request for groups.
Don’t miss the candlelight concert that is offered in this exceptional building every year at the end of August!
Access : RD 28 01380 Saint-André-de-Bâgé. Parking nearby