Espace Calvin

Take the little passageway on your right into what’s known as Espace Calvin, once home to the Augustinian convent dating from the 13th century. Feel free to peek inside and discover a secret courtyard tucked away between the houses of the historic center! Its name is a nod to John Calvin, one of the forerunners of the Protestant Reformation; it is to him that we owe the doctrine known as Calvinism. But why Espace Calvin? Well, Calvin actually studied law at Bourges University in 1529, alongside the humanist lawyer Andrea Alciato. Just four years later, he converted to Protestantism and joined forces with Martin Luther and Theodore Beza to champion its ideals across France. Nothing really confirms this, but it is said that Calvin himself may have preached his doctrine right here, within the walls of this very convent.