Saint-Ruf Temple in Valence

You’re standing in front of the Saint-Ruf temple in Valence, dedicated to the Protestant faith. Originally, this building was the Saint-James church. Its name, Saint-Ruf, refers to one of the first founders of Avignon’s Christian community, and to the congregation founded in his name. This religious order, first created in Avignon, was soon transferred to Valence, and took up residence in a large abbey complex that was under construction at the time. Destroyed during the religious wars, it was rebuilt a little further away from its original location, in this district, and the Saint-James church became the Saint-Ruf chapel, part of the abbey of the same name. During the French Revolution, the church was used as a grain store, and later as a meeting place for revolutionary assemblies. In 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte disbanded several religious orders, including that of Saint-Ruf, and decided to entrust the building to the Protestant community. It thus became Valence’s first Protestant temple. The interior décor is refined and elegant, reflecting the finesse of Baroque architecture from the time. A monument in the shape of a pyramid was placed in the center of the apse to pay tribute to General Jean-Etienne Championnet, a great figure of the French Revolution. Unfortunately, the temple is not often open to the public, but if it is during your visit, do jump on the opportunity !