Notre Dame du Cros Part II

The interior of this rather plain looking church was a beautiful surprise. Because Caunes-Minervois is the home of the famous red marble quarry which I've mentioned before, the interior walls, altars and columns of Notre Dame du Cros are mostly cut from this stone.

From the exterior one would never expect to enter and find flying buttresses overhead, exquisite paintings behind the altar, and stone carvings looking down from lofty columns.

A simple but lovely banner against the old stone walls.

A handwritten prayer was left on a table ~ my poor French only allows me to translate enough to say it appears to be related to Easter, which is quite timely.

This was a special place. I would like to return to attend a service to see the local villagers filing in..........perhaps for a wedding, or a Christmas service when this building would definitely be warm and glowing in the candlelight.

Notre Dame du Cros Part I

Toward the end of another busy day taking in the sights and scenes of Southwestern France, my brother drove us through the hills to visit a beautiful little church, Notre Dame du Cros. The church looked plain and simple from the outside, similar to Spanish mission style, it's golden stone and tiny belfry glowing in the late afternoon sun.

By then the colors of October were changing to gold.........leaves were collecting in corners around the lovely church grounds.

Behind the church was a large area used for picnics and gatherings. A small brook trickled along, its clear water diverted through an ancient stone trough for drinking or refreshing oneself on a warm Summer's day.

Stone steps leading up from the picnic area.

The priest's house nestled against the church, more golden stone with sun-bleached aqua shutters and a pergola heavily laden with wisteria. We neither saw anyone nor heard a sound except for birds twittering in the trees...................it was so peaceful.

Tomorrow I'll show you more of the church's stunning interior.