The chapel of Saint Pierre d’Ax
Nestling in a small valley in the commune of Boudou, between the Saurèze and Saint-Pierre streams, the Saint-Pierre d'Ax chapel is a delightful place with a rich history.
A history steeped in time
Originally attached to the seigneury of Montesquieu, the chapel was also one of the many possessions of the Abbey of Moissac. Built in the XIIIᵉ and XIVᵉ centuries, it dates back to the time when Arnaud d'Euse, Bishop of Cahors and future Pope of Avignon under the name of John XXII, marked his time as a protector of the sciences and an alchemist!
In the Middle Ages, these isolated chapels were sometimes the scene of intellectual gatherings, even though such practices were forbidden.
Today, Saint-Pierre d'Ax still bears the marks of its past, with its rectangular floor plan, flat chevet and triangular bell tower-wall, typical of the region and featuring three bell-tower bays. One of these bays houses a bell from the XVIᵉ century, weighing around 137 kg, still in good condition despite its great age.
The interior reveals a vault that faithfully reproduces that of the Notre-Dame chapel in the church of Saint-Martin in Moissac, and remarkable features such as a Eucharistic armarium and a font bearing the intriguing inscription "Far from discord here".
A link with alchemy
More than just a religious building, Saint-Pierre d'Ax is intriguing because of its design, inspired by the Temple of Solomon. Remodelled in the XVᵉ century by alchemists and philosophers, the chapel contains mysterious symbols. In particular, the three windows in the choir illustrate alchemical themes such as the two Natures or the Sun, adding an esoteric dimension to its architecture.
La chapelle Saint Pierre d'Ax c'est le charme absolu d'un site authentique et préservé, au milieu des champs, entre vignes et vergers. Une petite pépite d'architecture à ne pas louper ! Bon à savoir : la chapelle est ouverte tous les dimanches de Pâques à la Toussaint, grâce aux bénévoles de l'Association de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine de Boudou, qui l'ont faite entièrement restauré il y a quelques années.
Chuchoté par MARINA
Renaissance thanks to local volunteers
Rediscovered in 1978, the chapel underwent major cleaning and restoration work by volunteers from the Association de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine Communal de Boudou.
Since then, Saint-Pierre d'Ax has played host to regular concerts, the proceeds of which help to safeguard the chapel.
Immerse yourself in history and let yourself be charmed by this unique place, where heritage and mystery meet at the heart of a single monument.
Its name AX comes from the Latin AQUAE meaning "waters", due to the fact that the site is close to these two streams.
Visit the Chapelle Saint-Pierre d'Ax
Volunteers from the Association de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine Communal de Boudou open the chapel to visitors:
Every Sunday, from Easter to All Saints' Day, from 10am to 6pm.
How to get there:
- By car: from the village of Boudou, follow the signs for "Chapelle Saint-Pierre d'Ax" - you can park in front of the church.
- On foot: for the more sporty, take the 8.3 km "Circuit de la Chapelle Saint-Pierre d'Ax" hiking trail. A certified trail through valleys, orchards and Chasselas vineyards as far as the eye can see!
