Carolingian Oratory Germigny-des-Prés — Attraction in Orléans

Very old church that has been remodeled like other similar churches. The mosaic is real nice to see, and you can see a model of the church's original form. On the floor you can see some of the original foundation of the part that was torn down to make way for the expansion from an oratory to a church. Helpful visitor center outside. Available free secured bike parking if you want to explore the town on foot. Worthy of a detour to visit if you are riding the Loire...

It is just amazing what one may find in a French small town. The mosaic's motive is the Ark, which is very uncommon, as well as the journey of the artisans to this quasi barbaric end of the World at that time. The temple did indeed endure transformations during the following centuries; the most significant is the addition of a nave to make for a Latin cross...

The oldest church in France, dating to 805. Still has original Byzantine style mosaics. Although renovated in the 19th century, there is still much that is original. Plenty of reference material available at the tourist office nearby. Free parking in front...