Saint-Loup Church

Founded in the 12th century by the parish of Saint Loup, Douvaine's church has undergone a rich architectural history and evolution.
The Douvaine priory is first mentioned in a bull issued by Pope Eugene III in 1153, but it is certain that a religious community existed here as early as the 6th century, and that a first building was erected in the 10th century.
During the revolution of 1789, all the church's equipment was destroyed or stolen. The large bell remained valiantly in the belfry, and the small one was only just saved, lowered to be cast.
After the Revolution, Curé Revilliod had the church repaired, a high altar, a Rosary altar and a pulpit installed, and the small bell recast. The restored church had three naves with a low vault, but a fire almost totally destroyed the edifice.
It was rebuilt under the ministry of Mr. Benoît Bouvier, parish priest from 1863 to 1888. The
reconstruction, in a pseudo-Gothic style with pseudo-Romanesque capitals, has preserved the original bell tower, which bears two bells and a clock.
Today, the church boasts stained-glass windows by M. Januarius, known as Decareli, donated by the municipality under Mayor Dr. Jacques Miguet. The bell tower, the only authentic part, was recently restored in 1988. The choir and side windows were restored
in 1990/1991.