A must-see on the Haute-Provence Geopark discovery trail, the church of N.-D. de Bethléem, a listed historic monument, is a surprising structure.
Set in unspoilt natural surroundings in the heart of the Massif des Monges, the village of Bayons is not short of attractions, including its monumental church! You’ll be amazed by its size (35 m long!) and the quality of its architecture. The construction of N.-D. de Bethléem probably dates back to the 13th century, and bears witness to the importance of the Bayons community at that time. The church is a major example of Romanesque architecture in Haute-Provence, but Gothic influences can be seen in the portal, the choir vault and the bell-tower, which is quite elegant with its two storeys, bays and pyramidal spire.
The single nave, vaulted with a broken barrel vault, exudes an unexpected sense of volume, reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Nazareth in Seyne-les-Alpes or the cathedral of N.-D. du Bourg in Digne-les-Bains. Admire the beautiful altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi, the carved pulpit, the Virgin and Child, the paintings of Saint Blaise and the Assumption, and the gilded high altar.
