EGLISE DE SAINT AQUILIN
Built in the 12th century, the church was destroyed and rebuilt in the 15th century. The building comprises a nave, three bays and a square choir. All the vaulting is cross-ribbed with liernes. The first bay carries the bell tower, so a circular passage has been reserved in its vaulting for the bells. To the east, the weight of the belfry is supported by a very thick pointed arch. The only side chapel is on the north side; the south wall is thickened to accommodate the screw access to the belfry. The next two bays are similar. As for the choir, its gutter walls are adorned with two thick semi-circular arches.
The church of Saint-Aquilin still has ropes to ring its three bells. In the age of automated ringing, it is still possible to operate Sainte-Eutrope, the big bell dating from 1701; Marie, installed in 1850; and little Charlotte, which arrived in 1890. For more than three centuries, villagers have gathered at the church every evening during Advent to ring these famous bells. One of the village's oldest associations, Les Amis de Saint-Aquilin, continues this tradition of ringing bells, which was gradually disappearing. And so, just before 8 p.m. every evening between Saint Lucia's Day and Christmas, young and old alike take it in turns to pull on the three ropes, each hoping to contribute to the tumult of Sainte-Eutrope, Marie and Charlotte.
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