The Church of the Jacobins chequered history

Completed in 1276 the Church of Our Lady was given to the Dominican Friars who are often referred to as "jacobins" or "brother preachers" in France. The brethren occupied the premises for 5 centuries. However the were forced to leave in 1790 during the revolution. The authorities sold off everything of value and the Church was left empty. In 1795 the authorities set up a gunpowder factory inter Church as well as becoming a saltpetre plant until 1812. It then became a grain storage for the rest of the 19th century. Local wine growers have occupied the Church from 1907 until the present day. In 2003 an association of local inhabitants was set up to actively renovate and promote this "jewel of Gothic architecture". There is still a great deal of work to be done, but each year shows good progress.
As you can see, the vats are huge! Each one has a local speciality wine. We didn't leave empty handed!