Paris1972-Versailles2003

We have driven in the area and stop by again, always worth it me think, This is memorable City of Blois in the Loir et Cher dept 41 of the Centre Val de Loire region of my belle France, There is so much to see , and did see more for you and me, I have written plenty on this monument but more is always welcome by me ! Therefore, here is my take again on the Church Saint Nicolas of Blois, part III !!!  Hope you enjoy it as I.

I like to bring you to an area of much fanfare and visits very popular and one of its most emblematic castle. Oh did I say castle, well that was another post. The city of Blois is loaded with goodies to see and do, and I like to bring you more of the Church Saint Nicolas of Blois.

The Church Saint-Nicolas ,the former Saint-Laumer abbey church, it is the result of two campaigns of work, which took place at a pivotal period in the history of architecture, between Romanesque and Gothic art.

The Church Saint-Nicolas is a magnificent Romanesque church: the three levels of elevation of the nave are of a flawless purity, the interior architecture of the transepts is very harmonious. In the ambulatory and the radiating chapels, the contemporary stained glass windows create a unique atmosphere, bathed in a yellow or blue light, conducive to meditation.

The main portal built between 1186 and 1120 of the façade. The archivolt is made up of three voussoirs with figures. Originally, the portal was surrounded by six statues, now disappeared. The western façade is like no other: the three portals are dissimilar and surmounted by an elegant gallery of arcades that extends over the entire width of the façade.

The majestic nave gives an impression of grandeur. which the narrowness of the bays further accentuates. Everything is coordinated so that the prayers rise to the sky without hindrance. The choir of Saint-Nicolas in all its Romanesque purity.  The semi-circular apse is supported by six pillars with capitals. The second level is made up of blind arcades in a pointed arch, while the third receives five stained glass windows by Max Ingrand in large openings. The Saint-Laumer chapel is the chapel of the baptismal font. The contemporary stained glass windows of the Pierre Gaudin workshop, immersed in Romanesque architecture, create a rather magical atmosphere.

A monastery built in the 12C. It takes the name of the founder of this abbey, Saint Laumer. Its construction began in the 12C. The choir, the transept and the first span of the nave are built from 1138 to 1186. The Church is finished at the beginning of the 13C. The church is in the Middle Ages an important place of pilgrimage. It is indeed home to several relics: Saint Lubin, Saint Laumer, Holy Mary the Egyptian and a fragment of the Cross of Christ. A small anecdote here: Jeanne d’Arc or  Joan of Arc spent a few days in Blois, at the end of April 1429, before the royal army left to rescue Orléans, which was under siege. She had her flag blessed there, in Saint-Sauveur, the former church of the Château de Blois which no longer exists 

The City of Blois on the Church Saint Nicolas:https://www.blois.fr/annuaire/sites-culturels-remarquables/eglise-saint-nicolas

 The Blois Chambord tourist office on the Church Saint Nicolas of Blois:  https://www.bloischambord.co.uk/offers/eglise-saint-nicolas-blois-en-250270/

The Loire Valley regional tourist office on the Church Saint Nicolas of Blois:  https://www.bloischambord.co.uk/offers/eglise-saint-nicolas-blois-en-250270/

There you go folks, a dandy really, worth the detour in pretty Blois, There is more to this royal city and I am working on it to bring more beauties to my blog for the memories of always. This is one of the best religious monuments in Blois, me think. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Church Saint Nicolas, part III as I.

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