Saint-Michel Church (Église Saint-Michel)
About Saint-Michel Church (Église Saint-Michel)
This Flamboyant Gothic parish church was built between 1480 and 1530, though its massive western tower dates from the 13th century. Known locally as "La cathédrale des herbages" (The Cathedral of the Grasslands), the church features impressive vaulting with decorative liernes and tiercerons, cylindrical pillars without capitals, and flying buttresses with gargoyles. The building has been damaged three times throughout history: during the Hundred Years' War, the Wars of Religion in 1590, and World War II bombings in 1944. The original 15th-century stained glass windows, once praised by novelist Gustave Flaubert in his work "Un cœur simple," were destroyed in 1944 and replaced by modern creations by François Chapuis in 1965. Visitors can also explore the charming presbytery garden behind the church. Entry is free and the church is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Interesting Facts
The church's construction was supervised by Guillaume de Samaison, the same architect who worked on the Église Saint-Jacques de Lisieux. The building required Caen stone, the famous Norman limestone prized across medieval Europe for its fine grain and durability.
The current organ is a neo-classical Haerpfer-Erman instrument installed in 1958 with 28 stops on 2 manuals and pedal. It replaced the original 1765 organ by J.B.N. Lefebvre that was destroyed in the 1944 bombings. The church also houses a smaller late 19th-century choir organ by Facteur Abbey.
The recent restoration of the church's apse (chevet) required 34 cubic meters of stone from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou at a cost of €580,000. The project was funded by a combination of the French cultural ministry (DRAC), the Calvados department, the Fondation du Patrimoine, and private donations.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
5 Rue du Chanoine Tirard, 14130 Pont-l'Évêque, France
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