The French village of Allouville-Bellefosse is famous for the
Chêne Chapelle (Oak Chapel), which is literally a chapel built
into an oak tree. The amazing architecture consists of a wooden
staircase spiraling around the ancient tree, leading up to a
couple of chambers. These rooms have always been used as places
of worship by the village locals. The tree is known to have been
growing as far back as the thirteenth century, during the rule
of Louis IX. It is also known to have survived the Hundred Years
War against the English, the Black Death, the Reformation, and
Napoleon’s rule. Local folklore dates it a 1,000 years old, when
it is said that the acorn took root. However, tree experts say
it could only be around 800 years old. The oak has seen its
share of tough times. In the late 1600s, when it was around 500
years old, it was struck by lightning one stormy night. Although
a hollow was burnt right into the centre of the tree, new
branches and leaves continued to grow. In view of the miracle
that had occurred