SAINT-MEDARD CHURCH OF BANASSAC

The Church of Saint-Médard in Banassac is mentioned as early as 1123 among the possessions of the chapter of Mende, but the turbulent history of the area, particularly the Wars of Religion, led to numerous alterations. In 1591, extensive damage was reported, and restoration work was commissioned in the 17th century. This work, in addition to repairing the vaults, consisted of building a three-bay south aisle to complete the church, which originally had only one nave. Passing through the aisle, one arrives at the Chapel of the Virgin, which displays Gothic features. The polygonal chancel, with its ribbed vaulting, contains a niche housing a statue of the Virgin. The frieze of arches on the right is of medieval design. On the corbels, one can see the remains of sculpted winged figures. A body was discovered there in 1619 and transported to La Canourgue.