This charming church in the centre of the village contains unexpected treasures with a wonderful view over the lake.The Eglise de Bourdeau stands in the middle of a cemetery, and offers superb views over the lake, about which Honoré de Balzac wrote: 'It's an off-turquoise colour, a splash of blue water unlike anything else in the world'. As you enter the cemetery, you will see a stone cross. Although it does not contain an inscription, it is remarkable in its simplicity. Due to its hexagonal shape, we can date it to approximately the 17th century.
The Eglise de Bourdeau is administrated by a Dean (parish leader), and used to be attached to the priests of Aix-les-Bains, but has since come under the diocese of Grenoble. It has always been independent of the château, which has its own chapel. To the left of the church is an adjoining building, which was originally designed to be a vicarage, but ultimately served as a court, factory and school.
This church is unusual for its 'litre' on the outside of the southern wall: a black strip painted around the nave when a founder or protector died. This 34cm band, or funeral belt, painted half-way up the walls, is made of plaster; originally black, it has faded over time.
The ‘litre’ was painted when Louis de Livron died, who renovated and expanded the church in 1661.
The church is dedicated to Saint-Vincent de Saragosse, the patron saint of wine-growers and protector of the area.
The choir stalls appear to date from the beginning of the 15th century.
The stained-glass windows were renovated in 1972.
Unlike the nave, which is made of local stone, the choir vault is made of tuff (rock made from volcanic ash). The nave seems to have been reconstructed around 1661 upon orders by Louis de Livron.
The current altar is modern (1975), but has been built from an ancient altar stone.
The oak woodwork at the back displays a lamb at the centre, with a vine on its right and a sheaf of wheat on its left, both of which originate from the former altar.
Each pillar displays the coat of arms of the Livron family, which emerged during restoration works in 1975. The coat of arms can also be seen under the vaults of the nave. They were attacked during the French Revolution.
The statue on the right (Virgin and Child) is dedicated to Notre Dame du Lac. It was restored in 2001 and dressed by the Sisters of Carmel. This is the only lakeside church dedicated to Notre Dame du Lac, and as you enter the church, you can read the votive offerings on your right.
Inside the nave, you will see two paintings: the one on the left is titled 'Adoration of the Magi'.
Above the painting, you will see a plaque which reads 'given to the Chapelle de Bourdeau by the Métral sisters, in memory of their brother Antoine Marie Thérèse Métral in 1840'.
On the right, a recent painting (2002) by a contemporary Russian iconographer depicts the Notre Dame du Lac.
The current bell tower has been rebuilt. The previous one was made of zinc, and initially it would have been wooden. The bell dates from 1782.
This modest church, charming for its history, full of art, inspires contemplation and serenity due to its understated grandeur.
