Wednesday 26th June 2013
After several short day trips in Fergus, I decided to go away on an overnight. Jean Marc had indicated that Saint Savin-sur-Gartempe was worth a visit, and, as it wasn't too far, I researched the local municipal campsite. The fact that the weather had improved from a very wet Spring, and that the schools were still in session, convinced me that it would be worth the jaunt for Fergus' baptismal tour in France.
It was only under 80 kilometres away and I now had in my possession a SatNav unit. It wouldn't have been something I would normal have used back in Scotland as I considered them a waste of time. However, here in France it would be a hassle-free way getting from A to B in unfamiliar terrain. And so it proved. In no time at all I found myself at the municipal campsite in Saint Savin-sur-Gartempe which would be my overnight stop. On the edge of the Gartempe River, the Moulin de la Gassotte Campsite is an ideal spot to stay. It is an unclassified site and facilities are clean but basic. Ideal for a short stay and at 4,40€, not a price to break the bank.
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| Looking At Home |
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| Check The French Plates |
After the usual business of settling in and preparing Fergus for a good night's sleep, I set off to locate a suitable place for a lunchtime meal. I chose the Auberge du Pelerin on Place de la Liberation adjacent to
L'abbaye de Saint Savin-sur-Gartempe. This Romanesque church was begun in the mid-11th century and contains many beautiful 11th- and 12th-century murals which are still in a remarkable state of preservation. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is the main tourist attraction in the town and many visitors arrive by car and coach to admire its beauty.
However, I was to leave that 'til later. Just then I was hungry. I chose the menu du jour and although I have had better, and better valued, it was a pleasant repas. Afterwards, I sat on the terrasse of Le Saint Savin having a few beers and watching the world go by.
A few coach-loads arrived and disgorged elderly, eager tourists keen to savour the delights of the Abbey. There was also much to-ing and fro-ing of busy workers assembling stages etc. in the Place for that weekend's blues festival. After, a restful hour or two, I made my way across to the Abbey to have a gander.
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| 80 Metres High |
It cost 6€ for the entry fee but there were no guides in English and information was all displayed in French. So I had to make do and try to understand as best I could.
The Church itself was really impressive, it is not for nothing known as the 'Romanesque Sistine Chapel'. The whole Church, as I have said contains many beautiful 11
th and 12
th century murals which are still in a remarkable state of preservation. Below the church is the Crypt of the legendary martyr brothers St Savin and St Cyprian complete with frescoes of their lives.
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| Ceiling Fresco |
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| Altar |
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| Side Aisle |
In addition to the church, the abbey buildings include, the monastic building, the abbot's lodgings and the gardens. The 12
th century monastic building contains the main refectory, the chapter house, the great stone staircase and the monks' cells. It is this area that films, models, touchpads with 3D images, and multimedia workstations form a presentation that visitors can use for a fun and interactive discovery, both of the site and paintings therein. Unfortunately all in French!!
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| Monastic Cells Now Hold 3D Diplays |
The gardens are pleasant and overlook the river and local petanque terrain.
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| Abbaye Jardin |
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| Monastic Buildings |
After all this art and architecture, it was time for another wee drink before a wander round the town to see its other sights. In the lovely summer sun it was easy to see why the town is so popular with day-trippers and tourists. I did however, think that it lacked provision in the way of restaurants and bars - or maybe I just failed to locate them?
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| Old Bridge |
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| New Bridge And Abbaye |
I returned to Fergus for a wee rest before finishing off the evening in Le Saint Savin and another wee place opposite the Hotel de France. So, after a pleasant day, I retired to Fergus for a good night's sleep refreshed for the return journey to Civray the next morning. It had been a worthwhile, if short wee break.
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| Night! Night! |
Click
here to view Saint Savin-sur-Gartempe slideshow.
