Chapel of Saint Amand

Historical research has not revealed exactly which Saint Amand is meant: is it the Vth century Amans of Rodez, Amand of Maestricht or the VIIth century Amand of Cerins? Since the first millennium of the Christian era, Clamensane has had two patron saints, Amand and Martin, so we know that people have worshipped here for a very long time. The tradition of pilgrimage to the existing chapel goes back a long way – the first written record was in 1600. The religious nature of the locality can also be read in the place names: Quartier de la Croix (Quarter of the Cross), La Chapelle (The Chapel), Clot de loumeyraye (Pilgrim’s Field). The etymology of the term loumeyraye, a local version of roumeyrage, refers to a journey to Rome (roumieu, a pilgrim going to Rome; viage, a journey). So we can deduce that this was an important religious event, celebrated on Whit Monday. Pilgrims arrived from all the neighbouring villages along the River Sasse, from Bayons to Châteaufort. In 1764 the consul Jean Burle had a cross erected on the path leading to the chapel, at the col which bears the same name. There is said to have been an oratory here. There was also a hermitage nearby that was still occupied in 1837. In 1861 the chapel was still in good condition and contained numerous ex-votos, which sadly have since disappeared, witness to the religious faith of the people. The pilgrimage tradition was carried on until around 1920. Then the building collapsed into ruin and became completely overgrown by the surrounding vegetation.
In July 1999 the Commune of Clamensane set up a plan to secure the site and restore the building.
Finally in October 2000 the Chapel of Saint Amand, now fully restored, was consecrated by the Brotherhood of Saint John at Chateaufort.