Chêne chapelle

In the quaint village of Allouville-Bellefosse in France, the Chêne chapelle stands as a remarkable testament to the fusion of natural wonder and human devotion. This ancient oak tree, believed to be between 800 to 1,200 years old, is not merely a botanical marvel but also a place of pilgrimage and worship, as it houses two small chapels within its hollow trunk.

The Chêne chapelle, also known as the "Chapel Oak," is a living monument that has captivated visitors for centuries. Its lower chapel, named "La Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Paix" (Our Lady of Peace), was constructed in the 17th century. Above it, accessible by a spiraling wooden staircase wrapped around the tree, is the upper chapel, "Chambre de l'Ermite" (Hermit's Room), which once served as a hermitage.

Despite the tree's advanced age and the fact that it has been struck by lightning on several occasions, it continues to stand resiliently, its branches propped up by supportive beams to preserve its structural integrity. The Chêne chapelle remains a place of active worship, with masses held twice a year. The tree also wears a protective wooden roof to shield its venerable chapels from the elements.