Restaurant "La Grange à Dîme" at Montreuil Bellay, near Saumur, Loire valley

Bâtiment du XVème siècle

	n the history books, they call it "Les Greniers
de la Baronnie" (The granary of the barony) or "Les Greniers de la Seigneurie". (The granary of the lord of the manor). We call it " La Grange à Dîme" (the barn where taxed goods are kept) , because until the French Revolution in 1789 when it was then sold as a National Heritage, the common people had to offer "gifts" to their so-called master and this is where they were deposited.
	a Grange à Dîme is situated half-way between
the Cháteau de la Collégiale and the elegant manor of l'Ardiller, also from the 15th century. One is struck by the imposing building which retains most, if not all, of its original features. A few windows, some of which are still covered by bars remind us of its past purpose.

	hen it was firstly built in 1455, it was used
as a residence, then in 1461 when Guillaume d'Harcourt , seigneur of the fief acquired it, he added to its present architecture. But to really appreciate the building, one has to go inside and realise how ingenious it is. Its actual design allows us to appreciate in one glance the three different levels, the most remarkable being the sumptuous eaves made out of chestnut wood from the 15th century of course ! Designed in the shape of an upside down boat scull, it retains all of the original, richly-sculpted features.
	oday, the restored Grange à Dîme
remains a poignant reminder of the splendour of the enclosed ancient town of Montreuil Bellay. Jacques Sigot