Morienval - Notre-Dame

A Benedictine nunnery existed here for centuries. It was founded already within the 9th century. In 920 Carolingian Charles III (aka "Charles the Simple") signed a document confirming privileges bestowed to the convent by his grandfather Charles II (aka "Charles the Bald").

Since the end of the 11th century relics of Saint Annobert were venerated here, about the same time the erection of this church may have started. The process was slow.

The "Abbaye Notre-Dame de Morienval" existed upto 1745 and since then the church serves as a parish church.

The church was locked, but thanks to a friendly French couple, the doors opened. Following Anne Prache ("Ile-de-France Romane"), the first church here had a single nave, enlarged by the side aisles in the 11th century. The vaulting is obviously much younger.

The large arch at the crossing reminds me a bit on Vignory, but here is looks more elegant. Note the extraordinary choir.