Caudebec-en-Caux Church, Caudebec-en-Caux, France

Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, King Henry IV of France is said to have declared the church of Caudebec-en-Caux to have been the most beautiful chapel in his kingdom. The fact that it does not have a transept may explain why the king referred to it as a chapel not a church. Typical of the Flamboyant Gothic style, the highlight of this church is the finely decorated west portal. In all there are 333 sculptured human figures, representing saints and aspects of daily life. Of particular interest is the figure playing an old Norman musical instrument – the Loure, a kind of bag-pipe that is no longer played in Normandy. Sadly, much of this decoration was destroyed by the Calvinists during the Religious wars and then again later during World War Two, but it has since been restored.

Around the edge of the roof, and engraved in Gothic calligraphy is one of the verses of the Magnificat, also known as the Song of Mary and one of the oldest of the Christian hymns. Stained-glass windows date to the 15th and 16th centuries.

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User Reviews

Orkinitsu (4 months ago)
Magnificent church located in the heart of the village on the banks of the Seine, a must-see!

catherine denicola (8 months ago)
Superb Gothic style building (the foundations being much older) with stained glass windows from the 15th and 16th centuries (some others dating from the 19th or even the 20th). Very beautiful organ.

victor davis (9 months ago)
Did a quick through a lot of sculpture at other things inside to see

B Szmodics (11 months ago)
Spectacular hidden gem. Worth a visit

Denis Morlan (12 months ago)
Henri IV said of this church that it was the most beautiful chapel of his kingdom, without exaggerating the Gothic lace is at its peak and the stained glass windows so full of so much luminous history.

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