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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Maurice in the Ile-Bouchard department of Indre-et-Loire in the Centre-Val de Loire region is a Catholic religious building built over centuries. The present church replaces a first building mentioned in the 13th century, now extinct. Its construction began in the 14th century with the choir (main and lower side), but only the vaults of the lower side were completed. The work continued at the end of the 15th century, after 1483, with the elevation of the nave and the hexagonal bell tower, financed in part by Louis II de la Tremoille, Baron de l'Île-Bouchard. The nave, initially un vaulted, sees its northern portal decorated with flamboyant Gothic motifs.

In the 19th century, important works transformed the building: the vaults of the nave and central vessel of the choir, made of brick and coated imitating the stone, were added between 1865 and 1869 under the direction of the diocesan architect Gustave Guérin. These interventions modernize the roof and complete the cover of the bottoms. The church was listed as a historic monument on 7 May 1908, recognizing its heritage value combining late Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its hexagonal bell tower, supported by foothills and bow-buttons, as well as its flat bedside, make it a remarkable example of Tourangelle religious architecture.

The interior furniture and decor includes several protected elements, including 19th-century glass windows signed by renowned workshops such as Joseph Vantillard or Lucien-Léopold Lobin, as well as a famous sculpted wooden seat attributed to Victor Aimone. Three 19th century paintings, copies of major works (including a Virgin with Child inspired by Murillo), and silver liturgical objects complete this set. The church thus illustrates the evolution of constructive and artistic techniques, from medieval origins to modern restorations.

The building is part of local history as an ancient abbey church, which became parish in the 15th century after the transfer of the title of Saint Peter. Its elongated plan, with three-span nave and flat-side choir, reflects successive adaptations to meet the community's cultural needs. The floral medallions adorning the double arches of the nave, partially dated from the beginning of the sixteenth century, bear witness to the decorative richness of the period, while the covers of the nineteenth century highlight the efforts to preserve this heritage.

The church's location on the left bank of the Vienna River reinforces its anchoring in the landscape of the Bouchard Island, a commune marked by its medieval history and its role in the barony of the Tremoil. Today, it remains a communal property, an active place of worship and a major witness to religious architecture in Touraine, attracting visitors and researchers for its unique mix of styles and its preserved furniture.

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