Notre-Dame du Bourg Chapel

The chapel of Notre-Dame du Bourg

The Agen audio-guided tour invites you to quiet contemplation before the chapel of Notre-Dame du Bourg, a small jewel of red brick in the centre of Agen. Built at the end of the thirteenth century, it has watched discreetly over the city for more than seven centuries.

A history made of transformations

Built in red brick at the end of the thirteenth century, the chapel then stood outside the ramparts, in the middle of a large Christian cemetery. With the enlargement of the city, it became a parish church and took the name of Notre-Dame du Bourg. In the fifteenth century, its flat chevet was replaced by a polygonal apse and chapels were opened to the south. Its history was also marked by violence: in 1561, during the Wars of Religion, it was set on fire. Restored, it has crossed the trials down to us.

What there is to see

The chapel charms with its red brick architecture, typical of the region, and with its polygonal apse. Inside, in contemplation, the visitor discovers the traces of the successive transformations that shaped the building. It is a moving testimony of the eventful religious history of Agen.

Practical information

The chapel of Notre-Dame du Bourg is in the centre of Agen. A place of worship, it can generally be visited during the day, with respect for silence and possible services, the hours possibly varying according to the season. Its brick façade can be contemplated from the street.

When was the chapel of Notre-Dame du Bourg built?

At the end of the thirteenth century, in red brick, then outside the ramparts in the middle of a Christian cemetery.

What happened to the chapel in 1561?

During the Wars of Religion, it was set on fire; restored afterwards, it has survived to the present day.