The lower nave is illuminated by stained glass windows dating from 1866, in the same style as those of the Saint-Joseph chapels and the Baptismal Font. Although of the same style, all the windows have different decorations. (cf. 1 and 2 below)
A painting surmounts the door of the sacristy. Dating from the 19th century, it depicts the Virgin Mary presenting the Rosary to Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Dominic. This painting has also been framed and highlighted by the association “La Sauvegarde de l'église Saint-Laurent-des-Prés”. (cf. 3)
The sacristy, closed to the public, is furnished by large wooden cabinets in which were deposited the accessories used for worship and priestly clothes. During the restoration of the ground in the middle of the 20th century, numerous bones were found there. (cf. 4 and 5)
Let us now move to our right in the nave. Facing us is the pulpit to be preached, dating from the 17th century. It was originally placed in front of its current situation, and was moved during the expansion of 1866, in order to allow the priest to have all the faithful in front of him. The pulpit is surmounted by a statue of a carved wooden angel, while a pine cone motif adorns its lower part. (cf. 6 and 7)
On the right, above the entrance arch of the chapel of the Virgin, a coat of arms whose meaning remains to be discovered: noble family, prelate or other belonging, the question remains posed to this day. (cf. 8)
9. Crucifix of the 19th century
Opposite the pulpit is a monumental crucifix, dating from the 19th century. Another crucifix existed in the church above the stalls. It was destroyed during the Revolution. (cf. 9)
All around the nave, we find other stages of the Way of the Cross illustrating the Passion of Christ. Above the pediment of each sign of the Way of the Cross are two angels. This same scene is found on all the panels. On the sides there were supports bearing the candles illuminating each scene. (cf. 10)
In the central alley, several grids allowed the heating of the church, by circulation of hot air.
The hot air was produced by a boiler installed in the cellars of the adjoining parish house. The heating was installed in 1882, thanks to Michel Perret, inventor of this boiler, patented by him. To help finance it, he abandoned the royalty for this installation, made by Bouchailler and Viallet, Grenoble industrialists. The warm air was brought by ducts dug into the ground. As a result, the paving of the church had to be taken up and made with a darker concrete, emphasizing the central aisle of the church. (cf. 12-14)
Let us now turn to the choir. On the left is the statue of Saint Laurent, patron saint of the church. Martyred by the Romans in the 3rd century, it was burned in the year 258. It is said that during his ordeal, he reportedly told his executioners, “Can you turn me over, I am quite cooked on this side”. But this story is probably apocryphal.
(cf. 15 below)
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