One can still see in the narthex, the remains of the old sarcophagus
with the bored hole. It is would be the genuine sarcophagus of Saint
Menoux, that one that Blaise bored. The sides have since been replaced
by a tomb more adapt to the increasing visits. The relics of the saint
were placed there. One can still see them through the glazed openings.
It is located in the chorus, behind the furnace bridge.
The frontage is from the 11th century with only some fragments of the
small primitive apparatus still left. Behind the gable of the nave an
oculus rises. The buttresses in north end are of 15th century, whereas
in the south, the vestiges of a cloister are Gothic in shape.
The flanks distributed in supported radiating chapels of buttress-columns
to the leafy capitals. Modillions with chips and carillons of billets,
decorate the unit. The square bell-tower of 13th century is surmounted
today by a modern frame, the stone arrow being taken down at the beginning
of the 14th century. The footprint of the church is 62 metres in length
and 16 metres wide, with radiating chapels grafted on the déambulatoire
surrounding the apse.
The Narthex
The oldest part of the church (circa 1100), the narthex forms a vast
room in trapezoid divided into three chambers spanned by arches supported
by columns. The decoration of the capitals is simple, in particular
the leaning lions and the crosiers. The top of the arcade is a cornice
of billets supported by modillions. It is here that we find the sarcophagi
Merovingian and the 12th century baptismal font.
The Nave
The nave was started and added to the Narthex in 12th century, is not
very wide (20 meters). Building begun again in the 15th century, and
provided vaults on intersecting ribs, it is divided into three and arches
span each one. The northern side preserved its primitive cradle in semicircular
arch, on beams.
The Transept
The Transept was completed at the end of the 12th of and the beginning
of the 13th century. The architecture attests the penetration of the
new Gothic style: intersecting ribs launched on a very high level, bottom
of lamps with masks and hooks, double bays geminated under arcades.
It is said that several undergrounds tunnels lay diagonally under the
church (the Nave). One of them arrives at the staircase inside one of
the central pillars.
Chorus
The Chorus dates back to approximately 1150, it is built out of calcareous
stone. The Romanesque art of Burgundy influence is achieved here, denoted
by the width of its proportions and the elegance of its ornamentations.
The footprint is that of the large Roman buildings, with some original
elements, semicircular apse, framed of a déambulatoire open on
five radiating chapels and preceded by two right spans, vaults of axis.
The arch is moderated by a plank decorated with broad Greek beading
and a line of doves and a stringcourse of checker work. The faults,
water, the tellurium and the chimney are represented there. The Burgundy
style capitals here are illustrating many topics.
A marble stoup which accommodates us is polished through being cherished
by the many hands of the visitors…sits as a guard on the steps
of the church.
The Saint Martin's day fountain
In Saint-Menoux, Saint Martin's day fountain can be found about 200m
from the church. The fountain probably druidic, was Christianised later.
There one day, an enormous snake was installed on its kerbstone, prohibiting
whoever, from coming to draw water. Saint Menoux slipped the end of
his stick under the reptile and projected it far, while saying: “Where
you will fall, you will be grass a snake.” The snake fell in a
deserted place becoming the commune of Grass snakes. The snakes are
known as “vouivre”…
Linen washed in the fountain, dried then worn close to the skin was
repute to cure dermatitis. It has been said that simpletons were plunged
in the fountain; while the priests recited the words of Saint Menoux…this
was thought to cure them of their mental problems.
This church, and many more like it, steeped in history and folklore
are here in the area for you to visit and appreciate.
