Trifter

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The  coastline of Charente Maritime offers charming holiday resorts and picturesque villages. The elegant little town of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer is very lively in the Summer and in Autumn, many visitors like to stroll along the “Sentier de la Corniche”, a  lovely path winding through the jagged rocks along the indented coast. Beautiful “Belle Epoque” villas and cottages nestling in the hills amidst the pines and evergreen oaks will fill you with wonder.  

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The so chic restaurant “Primavera” with its Neo-Romanesque façade welcomes you and you will not regret it.

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On your way to the old church, you will stop in the cemetery to admire mausoleums and tombs that here will not surprise you. The Romanesque Church of Saint-Palais will no doubt rivet your attention. It was built in the last half of the XIIth century. Only the choir, apse, a piece of the nave wall and bell tower remain. This church is distinguished by its plain Cistercian style. The steeple base is authentic Romanesque with two well preserved  arches to the South. In the first half of the 17 century, the steeple was raised 2 meters to serve as a landmark for ships at sea. Several years later, it was given its final height.  In 1770, a wooden steeple was added which disappeared. The elegant half dome apse is ornamented with 5 basket-handle arches supported by imbedded columns. A band of chamfered cord runs along the choir and apse basis. The edifice underwent a complete restoration from 1994 to 1997.

In the cemetery. (Following photos by the author – Copyright: Francois Hagnere)

Saint-Palais Romanesque church.

The beach from where you can catch a glimpse on the King of Lighthouses: Cordouan (see my related article).

The apse of the church.

A mausoleum and the steeple of the church.

The indented coastline and jagged rocks.

And before you leave, you certainly will not forget to send postcards to all your friends from this historical post-office.