This small Gothic monument was built in 1540 by François de Montarby, prior of the Saint-Gengoulf priory. His coat of arms can be seen on the lintel of the entrance door and on the keystones. Built on the site of a spring dedicated to this local saint, the chapel incorporated the spring into its construction. The spring can still be seen when you enter the crypt of the sanctuary.
Local legend has it that Saint Gengoulf was born in the 8th century in Varennes sur Amance. This rich lord, returning from a war, suspected his wife Ganéa of cheating on him. To prove his infidelity, he had her immerse her arm in the water of a spring that he had miraculously caused to gush up. The spring began to boil and her skin fell off like a glove, proving her guilt. Gengoulf left his wife and retired to a hermitage. His furious wife sent her lover to murder Gengoulf. The lover was punished by divine power with an almost sudden death, while the unfaithful wife fell ill. Gengoulf's tomb became a place of pilgrimage. He was invoked to unite couples and became the patron saint of unfaithful husbands.
Note the stone high relief, the statue of Bernard de Molesme and the stained glass windows, which are of the same style as those in Saint Gengoulph church.
Chapelle Saint-Gengoulf de Varennes-sur-Amance
