Great! You're approaching the last stop on our tour, the magnificent Église Saint-Ayoul de Provins. If you glance to your left as you walk, you'll spot this fascinating structure with its mix of Romanesque and Gothic features. The most eye-catching element is the large triangular gable with several arched windows and a bell tower perched delicately on top. Below, you'll see three arched entrances, the middle one being the largest and most ornate, with intricate carvings around it.
Now, onto the fun history of this place!
The Saint-Ayoul Church is a Catholic church located in the lower town of Provins, along Rue Abélard. The origins of this church are quite intriguing. It was built after the rediscovery of the tomb of Aigulphe de Bourges, also known by many monikers like Au, Ay, Août, Ayeul, or Ayoul, a former bishop of Bourges who was secretly buried in 845. Following a miraculous healing attributed to him, his relics were found in 996 and transferred to a nearby sanctuary, which was later transformed into a priory in 1048. This transformation was granted by Thibaud I of Champagne with the permission of King Henry I of France.
The church quickly became a pilgrimage site, and its forecourt hosted the first commercial fairs of Provins. However, the edifice was partially destroyed by a fire in 1157. No worries, though! It was immediately reconstructed and has since gone through several alterations up to the 16th century.
During the French Revolution, the priory was sold, and parts of it were converted to different uses; for instance, part of the cloister was turned into residences, and the choir was used as storage. The state repurchased the monument in 1828 and integrated it into a military barracks. The church saw restoration efforts in the 20th century and has been protected as a historic monument multiple times: the transept was classified in 1862, the nave in 1909, the choir, chapel, and bell tower in 1913; the rest of the priory was listed in 2005, and its wing was classified in 2006.
Designed mainly in the 12th-century Primitive Gothic style, the church underwent many reconstructions up until the revolution, including an 18th-century wooden gallery that notably breaks the symmetry of its western façade.
Inside, you'll find numerous fascinating art pieces and relics, such as: - The "Virgin of Pity" and "The Virgin of the Assumption" statues from the 16th century - Funerary plaques and high-reliefs from the 17th and 18th centuries - Stained glass windows from the 16th century - An 18th-century choir closure and organ, and much more.
It's a place where history and spirituality blend in a unique and captivating manner. I hope you’ve enjoyed your tour through Provins!
