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Origin and history

The Saint-Laurent church of Charentenay, located in the Yonne department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is a religious building whose origins date back to the thirteenth century. It is characterized by a 15th century fortified tower, surmounted by bell towers and reinforced by imposing foothills, including a shape of an arch passing to the north. Its rectangular plan (27 m long, 11.30 m wide, 8 m high) and architectural elements, such as the Renaissance-style palmed pillars or the 1771 portal, illustrate its evolution between the Middle Ages and the modern era. The statuary, mostly from the time, includes representations of local saints (Saint Stephen, Saint Eloi, Saint Nicholas) and a bas-relief of Saint Hubert dated 1582, originally from the chapel of Nanteau.

The span of the choir, vestige of the 12th or 13th century, was completed by a bell tower in the 15th century, a second nave in the 16th century, and a sacristy in the 18th century. The church, originally dedicated to Saint Laurent, underwent major restorations (roof in 2000, wooden vault in 2010, electricity in 2015), financed by the municipality and associations such as the Heritage Foundation. Joined the historical monuments in 1995, it bears witness to the architectural transformations of the Yonne, while maintaining close links with local history, notably with the Abbey of Saint-Julien d'Auxerre, whose nuns used the church as a chapel.

The adjoining abbey, although of modest size, served as a refuge for Benedictines in the 15th and 17th centuries, especially during the religious wars (second half of the 16th century). The building, composed of a large house and a 15th century hexagonal tower, was led by influential abbesses, such as Gabrielle de la Madeleine (1606–57), who refused canonical inspections. After the reconstruction of the Abbey of Auxerre in the 17th century, Charentenay lost its central role, retaining only four elderly nuns before falling into disuse. Today, the church and the remains of the abbey are the only testimonies of the 15th century in the village.

Among the remarkable elements, the bas-relief of Saint Hubert (1582), commissioned by the ploughman Claude Vigny and carved by Jehan Mignard, also represents the Abbess of Charentenay. This relief, originally located in the chapel of Nanteau, was moved to Charentenay during the Revolution. The ancient statues, like those of Saint Stephen (deacon with a gospel) or Saint Eloi (bishop with his anvil), highlight the preserved artistic heritage. Recent work aims to restore the bells, the floor of the bell tower, and the support stones, with the support of local associations.

The church illustrates the regional architectural evolution, mixing Romanesque styles (strange of the choir), Gothic (fortified tower), and classical (portal of 1771). Its designation in 1995 as a historic monument recognizes its heritage value, while current restoration efforts ensure its sustainability. The site, owned by the municipality, remains a symbol of religious and community life in Burgundy, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era.

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