The Vézère Ardoise: Saint Robert

One of three fortified gateways of Saint Robert.

Strategically located at the top of a limestone plateau, the fortress, the ramparts and fortified towers of Saint Robert still impress today.

The pilgrimage church of Saint Robert with its apsidal chapels.

The pilgrimage church of Saint Robert (1) is at the center, a listed historic monument since 1862, and worth a visit. The Church was damaged and destroyed several times over the course of history, then rebuild with new additions.

Detail of the circulation gallery around the chancel.

At some time the nave was broken down, leaving an interesting cluster: the chancel, the ambulatory, transept and apsidal chapels (all 12^th century), square towers and an octagonal lookout tower. An ambulatory (circulation gallery around the chancel), allowed pilgrims to kneel in front of relics kept in the apsidioles.

The panoramic view of the landscape from the rampart.

Make sure not to miss the garden in the left of the church down the stairs with a panoramic view of the landscape from the rampart (2).

Pigeon's loft a[ong the village walk.

The village is build out of local limestone and a short walk passes a 16^th century chapel (3), three fortified gateways (4), a pigeon's loft (5) back to the central place with its wrought iron cross full of symbolism (6), the Beauroire manor (7), ancient mansion (8) and the 12^th century monastery (9).

Map of Saint Robert.

Find out more about the landscape, history, vegetation, the villages and life on the causse:

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