Saint-Foy Chapel

Your eyes were likely drawn first to that old archway spanning the street. But trust us, it’s the building connected to it on the left that really deserves your attention. The Saint-Foy Chapel, commonly called the Chapel of the White Penitents, was first mentioned in 1228 and is one of the oldest active places of worship in Montpellier. Originally, it stood beside the Camin Roumieu, one of the four Routes to Santiago de Compostela, near a main entrance to the city.
Around 1561, when the Wars of Religion broke out between Catholics and Protestants, the chapel was badly damaged twice. By 1568, only the base of its walls and this modest arch remained somewhat intact. With no plans to rebuild, the land served as an open-air cemetery for over half a century.
Things finally improved, when the Brotherhood of White Penitents, a Catholic association of mostly laypeople, took interest in the ruins. In 1623, they began rebuilding a proper chapel.
From the outside, the building appears rather austere. But step inside, and you’ll discover sumptuous decoration! The walls feature gilded wood paneling adorned with paintings. The choir and sacristy display wooden sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. The true highlight is the baroque coffered ceiling with 21 compartments, 18 of which were painted between 1671 and 1691.
With all these ornaments, the chapel was nicknamed by the locals ‘the Sistine of Languedoc’ – A typically sotherner and modest comparison, isn’t it?! A historical monument since 1995, the Saint-Foy Chapel still belongs to the Brotherhood of White Penitents. Admission is free, though opening hours vary throughout the year.