TEMPLE DU COLLET DE DEZE

"The construction of the temple began in 1646, which makes it the oldest temple in France. The inhabitants donated it to the Marquise de Portes to prove their submission to royalty. She obtained from Louis XIV that the temple not was not destroyed. During the repression of Protestantism, the temple was used as an arms depot for the royal troops and gradually fell into ruin. During the 18th century, it was used as a shed and then as a barn. It is the only temple to have survived the Revocation. During the Revolution, the temple was confiscated and sold as national property. The inhabitants bought it, restored it and worship could again be celebrated there in 1803. The building is made of masonry stones of irregular size and covered with a framework with exposed joists supported by a large arch of stone paired with a semicircular arch. Access is via a three-flight staircase. Information from the Mérimée database

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