Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Drèche, situated on horseback in the communes of Albi, Cagnac-les-Mines and Lescure-d'Albigeois in the Tarn, derives its name from the Occitan Nostro Damo de la Dretso ("Our Lady of the Right Coast"), due to its dominant position over the valley. Its origin dates back to a 12th century legend: shepherds would have witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the hill, then discovered a statue of the Virgin to the Child, now exposed above the altar. A first sanctuary, perhaps a chapel, was erected to shelter, before a church was mentioned in 1185 as a parish. When enlarged in 1275, it became a place of pilgrimage around 1410 thanks to a "miraculous" source and the statue, attracting the faithful.

Piled and destroyed during the French Revolution, only the statue of the Virgin, hidden by peasant women, would have escaped the ruin. The current building was rebuilt between 1859 and 1863 under the direction of architect Camille Bodin-Legendre, retaining only the medieval choir. Inspired by St. Cécile d'Albi Cathedral, the building adopts an octagonal nave in red brick, adorned with stained glass windows signed by Louis-Victor Gesta and interior paintings by Bernard Bénézet and Father Léon Valette, parish priest of the church. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1995, it now houses a carillon of 37 bells and an Amazonian museum linked to the mission of the Franciscans of the Drêche.

The church is distinguished by its brightly coloured interior decoration and its six chapels dedicated to Marian figures (Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Angels, etc.). The bell tower, 42 meters high, houses a chromatic carillon played on the first Sundays of the month, while the conventual premises welcome the Amazon Museum of the Drêche, testifying to the Franciscans' missionary commitment to Mato Grosso. The site remains a place of active spirituality, animated by this religious community.

Architecturally, the building combines medieval heritage (the 14th century choir) and neo-Gothic reconstruction of the 19th century, illustrating the evolution of religious and artistic practices in Occitanie. The protected elements include the church itself, its furniture and decors, reflecting both its historical role as Marian sanctuary and its contemporary cultural influence.

Future

The instrument is played every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm, access to the bell tower is free and free during the hearing hours.

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