The Church Notre-Dame de l’Assomption of Richelieu !!!

And I am back at you with Richelieu, noo not him is the town of the Cardinal of France! This is a small but amazing town that needs to be seen; in my road warrior trips always by passed it until I finally went in and glad I did. The town of Richelieu is located in the department of Indre-et-Loire no 37, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of my belle France. On the borders of Touraine, Anjou and Poitou, the city now borders the department of Vienne no 86 and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.Therefore, here is my take on the Church Notre Dame de l’Assomption of Richelieu !!! . Hope you enjoy it as I.  

The Notre-Dame Church was built in the classical style between 1633 and 1639, In ​​1638, the cardinal made an agreement with the Lazarists to take over the running of the parish. The statues of the four evangelists were commissioned in 1761. The French revolution removed the altars and the cardinal’s coat of arms, particularly on the pediment and above the main door, but also inside the church. The church houses an organ built in 1853 by Louis Bonn, a Bavarian organ builder who immigrated to France. it was renovated in 1994. It is the only instrument of this organ builder never modified since its construction.  The transept is formed by a span wider than the others. The two chapels placed at the back of each of the collaterals are decorated with sculptures, painted ceilings and altarpieces.

richelieu-ch-notre-dame-ceilings-by-altar-feb22

This is an amazing church yet not much written on it. I took several sites and the brochures in the church to compose the post. I say its worth the detour just for the church alone! It is located in the  Place du Marché facing the Halles.  The 
Notre Dame Church consists of a large central nave flanked by two aisles. The transept is formed by a span wider than the others. The two chapels placed at the back of each of the collaterals are decorated with sculptures, painted ceilings and altarpieces. In elevation, the interior layout follows a Doric order whose entablature receives the stone vaults. The main facade is decorated with two superimposed orders, with niches on each side of the door and the central window.

Richelieu ch Notre Dame altar to organ feb22

The Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church houses an organ built in 1853 by Louis Bonn, a Bavarian organ builder who immigrated to France. it was renovated in 1994. It is the only instrument of this organ builder never modified since its construction.  This is an amazing church yet not much written on it. I took several sites and the brochures in the church to compose the post. I say its worth the detour just for the church alone! It is located in the Place du Marché facing the Halles. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption or Notre Dame de l’Assomption. The main Altar is from the 18C. The side alters, one of which is dedicated to St. Vincent who’s contract with the cardinal provided the first priests for the parish. From 1638 to 1640, St Vincent often came to Richelieu, he called there in 1639, the Sisters of Carity who will come to treat the sick.

Richelieu ch Notre Dame altar closeup feb22

Of ancient inspiration (Doric pilasters, pediment, metopes, reminiscent of Greek temples) it stands out from the region’s often Romanesque or Gothic churches. This church is remarkable for its imposing size compared to the rest of the city. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption or  Notre Dame de l’Assomption. The Baptismal font is original! It is of Jesuit style, in the heart it has marble columns, behind it, a sacristy with beautiful restored woodwork, we see a portrait of the architect of the city, Jacques Lemercier.

The town of Richelieu and its heritagehttps://www.ville-richelieu.fr/culture-tourisme-patrimoine/un-peu-dhistoire/

The local Touraine Valley of the Loire tourist office on Richelieu : https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/richelieu-town/

There you go folks, a dandy beautiful place to see architecture and history of France before you intact for the most part since the 17C! Richelieu is nice, the Cardinal at least here did a good job! Worth the detour, me think. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Church Notre Dame de l’Assomption of Richelieu !!! as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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