Église Saint Julien de Vimenet
Vimenet is an old fortified village from the 14th century. Today its ramparts still encircle the old village. The Romanesque church has a combed bell tower dating from the Middle Ages.
Several parts of this church seem to date back to the 12th century. It is believed to have been built on the site of a feudal castle chapel.
Its 14th-century bell tower served as a keep and refuge.
Between 1866 and 1869, it was enlarged between the choir and the bell tower by public subscription.
The interior features a Romanesque nave and a pentagonal Gothic choir (15th c.). An altarpiece depicts Saint Eutrope, patron saint of weavers, and Saint Roch, invoked against plague and contagious diseases. In the 21st century, 2010-2011, the town council and the parish commissioned major work to restore the entire interior plasterwork, bring the electrical system up to standard, refurbish the deteriorated stained-glass windows and replace the altar and ambo, and finally restore the altarpiece.
Since summer 2021, the church has been home to an organ built around 1870 by German organ builder Joseph Merklin.
Previously installed in the St Affrique temple, it was donated by the Protestant parish of southern Aveyron.
This romantic, fully expressive 408-pipe organ is now the property of the Vimenet town council. The town council and the association l'Eau et la Pierre are financially responsible for the restoration and harmonization of this organ, which lights up the church gallery.
The church is open every day.
