Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church (Église Notre-Dame-des-Champs)
About Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church (Église Notre-Dame-des-Champs)
Notre-Dame-des-Champs is a monumental Neo-Gothic parish church built between 1863 and 1927, designed by local architect Nicolas Théberge to replace Avranches' cathedral which collapsed in 1794. The construction took 64 years due to financial difficulties, with three architects working on the project over six decades. The church features twin towers with spires, fantastical gargoyles, and cathedral-like proportions that make it visible from Mont-Saint-Michel across the bay. Allied bombardments in June 1944 caused the vault to collapse and destroyed the original organ and stained glass windows. After 18 years of closure for repairs, the church reopened in 1962 and was recognized as a Monument Historique in 2006. Visitors can admire the exterior sculpture work including one unusual modern gargoyle depicting a local notable, and inside find displays documenting the 1944 destruction and subsequent restoration.
Interesting Facts
The church was never imprisoned Joan of Arc, despite sometimes being confused with historical sites from her trial. Joan was held in a different tower of Rouen Castle that no longer exists. Notre-Dame-des-Champs is connected to a different saint: the parish is named after Saint Aubert of Avranches (660-725), the bishop who founded Mont-Saint-Michel in the 8th century after reportedly receiving visions from the Archangel Michael.
Among the fantastical gargoyles decorating the exterior, sculptors added a humorous modern touch: one gargoyle depicts a recognizable local notable from Avranches. This playful addition continues the medieval tradition of including contemporary figures in church decoration, though finding which gargoyle it is requires careful observation of all the exterior sculpture.
During World War II, German forces camouflaged the church towers to hide them from Allied bombers, but this didn't prevent the devastating bombardments of June 8-9, 1944. The post-war reconstruction used reinforced concrete for the nave roof framework rather than traditional timber - a modern engineering solution hidden within the Neo-Gothic shell that visitors today would never notice from inside.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
9 Place Carnot, 50300 Avranches, France
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