Notre-Dame de Louviers
About Notre-Dame de Louviers
Notre-Dame de Louviers is a remarkable Gothic church showcasing a striking contrast between 13th-century High Gothic architecture and extraordinary 15th-16th century Flamboyant Gothic additions. Construction began in 1197 under Richard the Lionheart and continued for over three centuries, reaching its pinnacle with the completion of the stunning south portal in 1506. The church's crowning glory is this south portal, often described as 'lace-like stone carving', featuring an intricate projecting porch with pierced gables, ornamental pinnacles, countless sculptures, and gargoyles. Inside, eleven magnificent stained glass windows from 1490-1530 by master glaziers including Arnoult de Nimègue and the Leprince brothers survived the Wars of Religion and remain exceptional examples of late medieval craftsmanship. The building also houses a historic Grand Organ from the nearby Abbey of Bonport. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1846, this architectural gem funded by the town's prosperous medieval cloth trade remains a hidden treasure of Norman Gothic heritage, often overlooked by tourists en route to Rouen.
Interesting Facts
The stained glass windows of Notre-Dame de Louviers survived the devastating 1562 Wars of Religion thanks to a remarkable twist of fate. When Protestant forces sacked Rouen and destroyed its cathedral's windows, Louviers was hosting the Norman Parliament in exile, giving the town special protection. This makes the church's windows among the most complete surviving collections of late medieval stained glass in Normandy.
The famous composer Maurice Durufle, one of the greatest French organists of the 20th century, began his musical career as an organist at Notre-Dame de Louviers before moving to Paris. The church's historic Grand Organ, originally from the 12th-century Abbey of Bonport dissolved during the French Revolution, helped shape his distinctive musical style that would later influence sacred music worldwide.
The south portal's construction in 1506 was so architecturally significant that it literally changed the orientation of the entire church. While most churches face their main entrance to the west, the stunning Flamboyant Gothic portal on the south side became so impressive that it effectively became the new 'front' of the building, with the town's main square developing around it rather than the original western entrance.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
47 Rue du Maréchal Foch, 27400 Louviers, France
Day Routes
Explore all day routesThese carefully curated day itineraries include this attraction and show you exactly how to plan your visit, including transport, timing, and what else to see nearby.
Want to visit this attraction? These routes show you how to get here and what to combine it with.
