Cognac - Saint-Léger

This large church, dedicated to Saint-Léger was once part of a dependent priory, founded by the Abbey Saint-Léger in Ébreuil (Auvergne). It serves as a parish church since the French Revolution.

The erection of the church started in 1130, it was enlarged and rebuilt over the next three centuries, so different architectural styles can be found.

The western facade, seen here, is the oldest existing part of the structure. The design is very typical for Romanesque facades in the Charente, but here a large flamboyant Gothic rose window was added.

This window was donated to the church by Jean d'Orléans (aka "Jean le Bon"), grandson of Charles V of France and grandfather of Francis I of France. Jean was taken hostage by the English in 1412, when he was 13 years old, and not released until 1444.