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Origin and history

The priory Sainte-Catherine de Varennes-l'Enfant was founded in 1209 by Foulques L'Enfant, under the authority of the priory of Château-l'Hermitage. This prior-curtain, endowed with land and tithes, was created to serve a new parish, while compensating the priest of the Epinoxious-le-Seguin with land income. The clauses specified the distribution of tithes according to the use of the lands (vines or ploughs), and prohibited the parishioners from settling in this new territory.

As early as the 15th century, the priory declined: the priors no longer resided there, and the chapel became a seigneurial chapel served by a priest. In 1403, Séguin L'Enfant offered candles and a torch for Masses, in exchange for the use of the family luminaire. In 1468, Prior Jean Dugué added three Masses to the two initials. The priory then has a fief with land justice, including the metariy of Epinoyaux.

At the Revolution, in 1791, the inhabitants demanded that the temporal of the chapel, used as a branch, be maintained. The presbytery was sold as a national property in 1792. The chapel, classified as a Historical Monument in 1995, now preserves its three 16th century altars, funeral slabs, and a statue of the Virgin in varnished earth. Its painted panelling and retables bear witness to its rich past.

The site also includes the remains of the ancient necropolis and a medieval cemetery (used until the 17th century), formerly surrounding the building. A chapel dedicated to Saint Louis, founded separately, is mentioned by an inscription in the choir. The archives (XIIIth–XVIIIth centuries) reveal close links with the local lords and the priory of Château-l-Hermitage.

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