Le temple
Built in 1822, this building stands on the remains of the ancient fortress of the lords of Retourtour, dating back to the 11th or 12th century. It proudly preserves the keep as a bell tower, adorned with splendid windows.
The size of the Protestant Temple reflects the importance of the Protestant community in Désaignes at the beginning of the 19th century.
During the Concordat period (1801–1905), the French State, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, exercised control over religious buildings.
On the eastern side of the temple, above the three windows, you can read the construction date, the name of the mason, and the name of King Louis XVIII, who authorised the construction and financed nearly one-third of its cost. The remaining funds were provided by the parishioners.
On the façade, near the window with small columns identical to those of the bell tower and reused from the former fortress, a carved stone bears the inscription:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer, I.H.S. – 1608.”
This stone originally belonged to the first Protestant temple, built in 1608, probably following the Edict of Nantes (1598). The building was destroyed in 1684, one year before Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes. The stone is believed to have been preserved in the church before being returned to the temple in 1822, 138 years later.
The temple was severely damaged by a fire in 1962, which destroyed its interior and the small Protestant museum housed in the bell tower.
A 1930 Kuhn pneumatic organ, a 1900 Mutin-Cavaillé-Coll mechanical organ, and a century-old Erard grand piano have been at the heart of the Désaignes Concerts, held every year since 1968.
Opening / Rates
All year round daily.
Free of charge.
