The best traffic-free bike rides around Angerville

The Saint-Pierre d'Ardelu church is a religious monument located in the commune of Ardelu, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Although its existence is attested, the available sources do not specify either its period of construction or its detailed history. This type of building, typical of the French countryside, generally served as a place of worship and gathering for the local community. In rural regions such as the Centre-Val de Loire, parish churches played a central role in daily life. They were often the heart of religious, social, and sometimes administrative activities. Their architecture reflected local resources and know-how, while meeting the spiritual needs of the inhabitants.

The nave dates from the 13th century, the sacristy from the 18th. Of very simple construction, the church nevertheless contains masterpieces. First, an antependium in painted Cordoba leather, representing Saint Médard; classified as a historical monument, just like the bells. A wooden cabinet from the 13th century containing a necrology. A painted wooden altarpiece from the 12th century, featuring two statues, repainted in 1893, representing St Médard and the Virgin Mary. A churchwardens' bench serving as an altar.

Attached to the castle, the 13th-century church was burned down in the 15th century. Rebuilt, it was consecrated in 1539. The lords of Oysonville could pass from the castle to the church through a door opening onto a platform at the back of the church without mixing with the people. The altarpiece, the churchwarden's pew and the pulpit are from the 18th century. In the 19th century, the paneling of the nave was replaced by a plaster vault. Many tombstones are visible.

The tower of the church of Sainville, as well as the choir and the first three bays of the main nave, are in the Transitional Romanesque style from the end of the 12th century; the rest of the main nave and the side aisles appear to date only from the 15th century. The bell tower contains three bells. The largest, listed as a historic monument, is engraved with a quatrain: "Founded smokes all new I am the Patron of Sainville, I bear the name of St. Peter. In the year 1014. XLIX." (1549) The second, from 1821, bears this inscription: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people." Gospel of Saint Luke, chapter 1, verse 68. The third is located above the other two.

Beautiful little church! The road leading there is peaceful and pleasant.

Angerville is a French commune located sixty-six kilometers south-west of Paris in the department of Essonne in the Île-de-France region. It is the commune of Essonne furthest from Paris. Its inhabitants are called the Angervillois.

The current building dates from the 13th century and underwent renovations in the 16th and 19th centuries [1]. Since a decree of March 26, 1926, the church is listed as a historical monument

Nice little church, however, worth a little detour.