Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The former convent of the Sisters of Charity, also known as the convent of the Sisters of Besançon, is located in Nîmes in the Gard. It consists of an 18th century residence, characterized by a ground floor, a blind attic crowned with a genoise, and low arched bays. The original carpentry is mostly preserved, while the stone elements (cornchi, frames) contrast with the general coating. A terraced garden, arranged to compensate for the elevation of the land, completes the whole.

The chapel, of imposing volume, presents a central nave flanked by two sides surmounted by stands. Its decor includes statues and a enamelled gable provided by the Virebent factory, as well as ornamental sculptures by Colin. A painting of Christ on a golden background, painted by Melchior Doze in 1864, once adorned the altar, while panels by Joseph Beaufort (1927) trace the story of Jeanne de Thuret, founder of the order. These artistic elements underline the spiritual and memorial role of the place.

The diocesan architect Henri Révoil designed the chapel, whose first stone was laid on May 15, 1862 by Bishop Plantier, before his consecration on September 22, 1864. The religious community, officially recognized in July 1855, was integrated into a fortified whole, reflecting the urban transformations of Nîmes in the 19th century. The building, partially protected since 2015, includes the chapel, the house with its shellfish pavilion, the garden, as well as elements of the cloister.

The historical and architectural coordinates of the convent reveal its anchoring in the Nîmes heritage. The rue de la Faïence, where it is located, and its approximate address (3 Rue Bonfa) testify to its integration into the urban fabric. Owned by a cultural association, the site retains a religious and heritage dimension, although its current accessibility (visits, rental) is not specified in the available sources.

External links