Église Saint-Maurice

Dominating the village of Villiers-les-Hauts from its hilltop, the Église Saint-Maurice is a striking rural church combining Romanesque and Gothic features, with an imposing 19th-century bell tower-porch. Classified as a historic monument, it houses medieval wall paintings and an 18th-century painted stone retable.

Site History

The earliest parts of the church date to the late 12th century, with a nave covered by a pointed barrel vault. In the 15th century, the Gothic choir and seigneurial chapel were added, and the building was modified further in the following centuries.

The imposing west tower-porch was erected in 1825, giving the church its distinctive silhouette. Inside, the church features painted decorations, mural cycles revealed during sondages and a monumental 18th-century stone retable.

Protected as a historic monument since 1988, the church has been the subject of continuous restoration since the late 20th century, with support from the Direction régionale des affaires culturelles, the region and department, and the Sauvegarde de l’art français.

About the Project

The work is organized into two phases:

• Phase A (2023): sondages of mural paintings, installation of gutters and masonry repairs
• Phase B (current project): uncovering the murals in the nave and chapels, and restoration of undecorated plaster surfaces

The project is directed by architect Antoine Leriche.

Église Saint-Maurice Today

The church is open year-round for free visits and hosts concerts, theater productions, weddings and other community events. Participation in the Journées du Patrimoine contributes to awareness of the site, which is a source of pride for this small rural community of only 125 inhabitants.