Eglise Notre-Dame

The Notre-Dame church, one of the highest points of the city, has suffered since the first years of its construction from the destructive effects of the bombardments. Built on the site of the Ursuline convent, it has been restored several times and features different architectural styles. It alone contains several works of art.

The building site started in November 1897. The first stone of this church was blessed on May 19, 1898. High of 83 meters, it dominates the city. The work, planned by Selmersheim, architect of the historic monuments, ended in 1915. Barely two years later, the bombardments damaged the stained glass windows, and the following year damaged the substructure, the vaults of the great nave and part of the main facade.

Restored in 1922, it was consecrated on April 13, 1925 by Monsignor Tissier, Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne (now Châlons-en-Champagne). The church is characterized by a medieval transition style: the exterior is inspired by the Romanesque and the interior by the primitive Gothic.

The church has many works of art: stained glass, paintings and sculptures.

The stained glass windows from the Renaissance period describe the life cycles of Saint-Rémy, Saint-Augustin and the Virgin. Note the stained glass window of the Passion, of the creation (copies) and a glass roof of Noah with scenes of the grape harvest.

Two paintings are classified: a period copy by Andréa Vaccaro dated from the 18th century (the conversation of the Madeleine) and an 18th century painting (Sainte-Geneviève guarding her sheep) are to be discovered. A third work by Léonello Spada from the 17th century depicts the detachment of Saint Christopher.

Sculptures: a statue of Notre-Dame from the 12th century or early 13th century could be an original statue of Notre-Dame de Paris.

The church houses large Cavaillé-Coll organs donated by Paul Chandon de Briailles in 1869. They come from the old Saint-Martin church. Its listed bell dates from the end of the 14th century.