Parcours du patrimoine - "Passé, passants, passages"

Notre Dame d'Espérance collegiate church is an iconic monument of the Forez. With a unique gothic architecture and more than eight centuries of history, it is the place to go when you are in Montbrison.The XVth century bell tower, supported by buttresses, gives to the façade an imposing character with its two flights of twin windows. The doorway and its lateral and superior surround show much architectural richness. The five lancet arches stacked in order are arranged according to the art of perspective. The stylobates at their base are decorated with buttresses whose width decreases progressively, ending in small spires. They are spaced so as to harbour two figurines on top of each other, which they have been waiting for for 7 centuries. The doorway tympanum comprises two rows of blind arches. It is sculpted and topped with orders in lancet arch where niches have been prepared for 12 smaller figurines. In the centre, pride of place is reserved to a XIIth centurey statue of the Virgin Mary carrying the infant.