Eglise Notre-Dame

This Notre-Dame church, originally known as Saint Marcellin, is a fine example of late Romanesque art in the mid-Rhône valley.

In the diocese of Valence, dependent on the abbey of Saint-Chaffre en Velay and administered by the prior of Saint-Marcellin, the parish church of Notre-Dame d'Étoile underwent two major phases of construction.
The nave was built in the early 12th century, followed by the choir in the late 12th/early 13th century (dated according to written sources).
The sculpted capitals of the transept crossing and the porch date from this second period. The remarkable decoration of the capitals, particularly those on the lion-headed pedestals of the monumental porch, testifies to a regional savoir-f aire
found in churches in the Drôme department (Alixan, Die and Valence). These decorations probably come from the same Valence workshop, which was active in the early 13th century. The harmonious style
this side portal is similar to that of the church of Saint-Trophime in Arles. The church's originality is reflected in the numerous whistle-shaped arches, one of the few local examples. Originally pointed, the bell tower was raised by two levels, probably in the 17th century. A charter of liberties was engraved on the tympanum of the church's porch on February 21, 1244. This public display testifies to Count Aymar's generosity and the privileges granted to the villagers of Étoile. According to G. Senger's study, the white marble basin of the Château de Parpaillon fountain, decorated with the Poitiers coat of arms, is now located in the church.
The inscription on the steeple corresponds to Étoile's motto "non licet omnibus" (It is not permitted to all).