Those of you who’ve been following my blog for a few years know how much my sister-in-law and I love the town of Plombières-les-Bains. You’ll also remember that “les Bains” refers to the thermal baths that caused the Romans to settle here in 65 B.C.
As with most French (and European) towns, one side of the town square is home to a church. In 1389 A.D, there was a chapel here, Then as the town grew, a modest parish church was built. The current Neo-Gothic ogival church was built in the late 1800’s. What’s ogival? It means having the shape of an ogive (now there’s a helpful definition!) or, in plain English, a pointed or Gothic arch. You’ll see examples of this at the front of the church.
But ogival windows aren’t the only attractions.
There’s another window at the back of the church (where you enter) and a magnificent organ, which I would have loved to have heard. Those arches aren’t just found in the windows; they’re everywhere!
The workmanship in these churches is both amazing and beautiful and the quiet and sense of awe palpable. Tomorrow we’ll take a look at some of the stained glass windows and next Tuesday, we’ll take a last look at details of the church. I’ll be offline Thursday through Monday.
Good morning 🐞
Good morning to you, too. 🙂
janet
This church is exquisite!! Thank you for sharing it. I love the stone steps up to the pulpit- and the Windows of course x
You’ll get to see more of the windows tomorrow, but I just love the care and workmanship that went into it.
janet
And the stonework is gorgeous!
Agree.
Picfull
🙂 Thanks.
janet
🙂
I added this to StumbleUpon. Hope it drives a little extra traffic to this post; it is lovely,
Thanks! I appreciate that and I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I certainly enjoyed the church.
janet
Beautiful church. Very atmospheric.
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Emma.
janet
French churches truly are something, whether of the Gothic or much earlier rustic variety.
True, but not just French churches. You English don’t do so badly yourselves and German churches are quite something as well.
janet
Such a beautiful church, Janet.
It certainly is, Lucile. Happy Tuesday.
janet
Happy week, Janet.
Beautiful. When I look at a church that has been standing this long, I bow to the craftsmen who built it. What great skills those people had. 🙂
I agree, Judy. It’s marvelous and they cared enough to do such an amazing job.
janet
Lovely photos of a lovely place Janet!
Thanks very much, Ritva. I hope your week’s off to a good start.
if you call constant rain good…,other than that good, hope yours is going well too.
We finally got the rain we were hoping for and it’s rainy again today, but should be clearing up soon. So far, the week’s gone very well. 🙂
Some need it, others not. Good to hear 🙂
So much about the old architecture to admire. it’s really incredible in that church.
There are so many beautiful churches that you can hardly go wrong. We’ve stopped at a number of them and, amazingly, most of them are open, which is really nice. It’s always fun to go in and admire and the sense of peace and calm is wonderful, too.
janet
I love Gothic architecture. This is such a beautiful church. Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to the future posts.
And it’s in such a small town, Dan. I just love that about it as well.
janet
The cathedrals in France are gorgeous. This is included! That organ looks amazing. I would have liked to hear it too. The architecture, and arches are beautiful.
Deborah, this is in such a small place, too, not a huge city. I really enjoy going into as many of the churches as possible.
janet
Such detail and that organ, oh my! It looks like it is just floating up there. Thanks for sharing, Janet.
My pleasure as always. I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful! No matter where you find them, they just do not build them like that anymore.
Very true. I can’t even imagine what it would cost to build one now.
janet
Great Post x
Glad you liked it. 🙂
janet
Beautiful church. Thanks for sharing this Janet. I’m a bit starved of magnificent church architecture here 🙂
I’m glad I could feed your need for church beauty, Su. You’ll enjoy the next two posts then. 😊
janet
🙂
I was taken with the stonework in St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York when I saw it, but this work is just as intricate yet more intimate. Some great shots, Janet.
Thanks very much, Emilio. It does have a more intimate feel, even though it’s a large church.