Droiturier - Saint-Nicolas

The small village of Droiturier hosts (at least) two remarkable architectoral structures. These are a roman bridge and the church Saint-Nicolas. The 12th century romanesque church was once a part of a benedictian collegiate, belonging to Cluny. The collegiate community is gone since centuries and with all its buildings.

Despite the unimpressive front, just seen before, the interior of basilica-style Saint-Nicolas is clearly romanesque amd has many carved capitals. This one is the most interesting one.

A man holding an ape by a rope. This icon (man/rope/ape) is somehow typical for the Auvergne area, the French call this "singe cordé". I found a couple of these pairs and will upload more. Meanwhile I learned, that within the Auvergne are about 20 (!) similar carvings.