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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame du Mont-Harou, located in Moutiers-au-Perche in Orne, finds its origins shortly after the return of Count Rotrou III of Perche from the first crusade. The monks of Saint-Laumer Abbey, supported by the villagers, built a large church on the side of the hill, originally called the church of Saint-Laumer de Corbion. This place of worship, depending on the abbey of Blois until the Revolution, becomes a symbol of the monastic life of the local people. Its name evolves with that of the village to become Notre-Dame de Mont-Harou.

The building underwent several enlargements and modifications between the 11th and 16th centuries, mixing Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. Its Romanesque portal, its 13th century frescoes depicting Christ surrounded by the Evangelists, and its 16th century organ (restored in 1990) bear witness to this rich history. The sacristy houses one of the most beautiful frescoes of the Perche, while the murals and stained glass windows illustrate medieval artistic developments. Ranked a historical monument in 1941, the church remains a major religious and cultural heritage of the region.

Outside, the north side, dating from the 14th century, features pinions perpendicular to the nave, typical of the local churches of that time. The south side, probably of the 15th century, is pierced by branched sill windows. These architectural details, combined with the 13th and 15th century murals, reflect the successive artistic influences that marked the building. After the Revolution, the church, formerly dependent on the Abbey of Blois, became communal property, preserving its heritage for future generations.

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