Built around 1145, the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity in Fournels, Lozère, stands in the heart of the Highlands of Aubrac as a witness to Roman art. Built in granite, it has a sober style, typical of the religious buildings of the region. Grandized in the 16th century by radiant chapels, its silhouette is harmonious, dominated by a bell tower. Its simple facade is adorned with a polychrome stone child Virgin in a niche, and a basalt cross representing Christ and the Virgin. Despite its majestic appearance, the roof suffers from the weather.
Located at 964 meters above sea level, the church is part of the landscape of the perched villages of Aubrac. Its location reflects the adaptation to harsh climatic conditions, with snow, wind and rain. Integrated with the tourist circuits in Lozère, it attracts its authenticity and its anchoring in the Aubrac Regional Natural Park. Close to the Puy-en-Velay (GR65) road, it offers a stopover for pilgrims to Spain. A place of silence, it provides contemplation in the heart of the Highlands.
Today, attached to the parish of Saint-Jacques de Saint-Chély-d A Sunday Mass takes place every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., and holidays like Christmas, Easter or Assumption of solemn celebrations. His position on via Podiensis energizes spiritual life, attracting pilgrims and visitors. Fournels, 50 km from Mende, combines historical memory and community vitality.
