Eglise Saint-Vivien - Ecoyeux

You won't be disappointed by this church with its proud castle-like appearance... And for good reason, its facade is flanked by two peppered watchtowers linked by a crenellated walkway, the remains of a fortification probably dating back to the 15th century. The church adjoins a noble dwelling, occupied by the town hall. Its chevet and its western facade give this 12th century building all its interest. Its chevet, divided into seven bays by buttress columns, is preceded by a cul-de-sac apse. The doorway with arches sculpted with palmettes and flowers is surrounded by blind bays. The latter are built in a herringbone pattern, which, in the 12th century as elsewhere in Saintonge, bears witness to a revival of an ancient tradition. A cornice with modillions overhangs them where masks, cat, lion, ox and eagle heads as well as the famous "cagouille", the emblematic snail of the Charente!