Notre-Dame d'Hortus
This attractive chapel lies close to the main road between St-André-de-Sangonis and Ceyras. It was built in XIV century as an oratory, originally open-sided to allow worshippers a clear view of the altar. The west wall was added in the XIX century. The simple interior has crossed ogive vaults and is well maintained. The site has been in religious use since the X century. In the IX century the Villa de Ortalis stood near here close to a Gallo-Roman road.
Of particular interest is the large porch resting on two massive conical-topped cylindrical pillars. According to legend, the builder was a shepherd who sheltered with his flock at this spot during a torrential hailstorm. To give thanks for his safety he built the porch onto the chapel. Click on the thumbnails to the left for more photos. The chapel is normally locked.