Avalleur

The area of France we live in was once heavily influenced by the knights Templar, and many buildings are attributed to their order, such as the nearby commanderie d’Avalleur.

The Templar commandery of Avalleur is a very significant building. The chapel has been classed as an historical monument since 1921, however the commandery was established in 1167, after land of Avalleur was given around 20 years earlier to the Templar Order. The main building with its stone walls, is also dated from a similar period.

This is one of the rare Templar complexes in France with the architecture apparently being indisputable. You can see painted decorations within the chapel, and it’s magnificent frame is a fine example of Eastern French Templar nave design.

I have to admit, until moving here my knowledge on the templars was limited, but they are often referred to, and obviously played a very important role in French history, certainly in the local Champagne history. I will be looking to share more on them over future blogs.

The parish of Bar Sur Seine was donated the chapel at Avalleur in 1905, from Abbot Prud the parish priest, who had bought it some 40 years earlier. It is a wonderful, historic building, and I love the fact that it is still used. A medieval fayre is held there once a year, where local craftsmen demonstrate their skills of tool making, weaving, falconry and such like, along with local producers selling their cheeses or confitures. The participants all make an effort to bring the event to life and get dressed up in period costume, having fun getting into character. Obviously this event did not happen last year, but we are looking forward to once again being able to enjoy events like this around the region, and learning more about the local history.