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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Saint-Étienne-et-de-l'Assomption de Bédarrides was built between 1676 and 1684 by the architect Louis-François Royers de la Valfenière, replacing an earlier building in poor condition. It was enlarged in 1756 by the addition of side chapels, while remaining contiguous to an octagonal funeral chapel erected in 1630 for the Fortia de Monreal family, designed by François de Royers de la Valfenière, father of the church architect.

This place marked local history by welcoming, on August 18, 1791, the signature of the connection of Comtat Venaissin to France, giving birth to the department of Vaucluse. The church, emblematic of this political transition, was declared a historic monument on April 25, 1997, recognizing its heritage value and importance in regional history.

The building illustrates the 17th century Provencal religious architecture, combining family heritage (the Royers de la Valfenière) and political issues. Its pre-existing funeral chapel, dedicated to the Fortia de Monreal, bears witness to the aristocratic practices of the time, while its subsequent extension reflects the evolution of the community's cultural needs.

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