A lovely facade and a fascinating interior. Painted columns and ceiling are unusual to see as often they have been' modernised' over the centuries by removing them. It is central to the town and worth a leisurely visit and look at all the individual paintings and statues. .
If like me, you like beautiful churches, this should be a must visit location. How such beauty could have been constructed so long ago without today's building expertise, never ceases to amaze me.
UIn the evening the front of the church is illuminated to reproduced the colorfull walls it was in the middle ages . A must in Poitiers !
If you're in the area is probably worth the stop. If you love old churches, then it's the place for you!
The church lies opposite the tourist office and attracts attention first of all because of it's stunning romanesque west front, crammed with wonderful statues. It is totally worth going inside, as the interior is beautifully colourful, giving a rare impression of how a medieval church might have been originally when painted throughout. The lighting is subtle, and the effect is quite magical.
The best example I have seen of polychromatic (ie painted) columns in a medieval church. Romanesque with barrelled vault and painted choir vaulting. The carving on the west door deserve their renown.
We visited the Church of Notre Dame Le Grande end August 2014 in the centre of Poitiers City, opposite the tourist information office. It's beautiful Romanesque church architecture, inside and out, makes it a 'must see'. Poitiers (the old city centre) is very worthwhile.
Striking as you approach Vienne from across the Rhone, this cathedral has wonderful details. The painted columns many have remarked on, and the carvings on the west door are gorgeous. Many have been removed or destroyed of course, but there are a surprising number left intact with the over all effect truly stunning. I especially liked the birds, dogs and carvings sculpture depicting the natural world. As this cathedral is central to all points of interest in Vienne, it is a natural meet up place. Duck inside even if you aren't a fan of churches and cathedrals-- this one is a special gem.
don't miss the night illumination of the front of the Church at 22:30 each day. The front of the church and all the statues are colored as they were probably originally.
The most lovely romanesque building. Well worth a visit be you interested in architecture or you are of a more spiritual bent. One of the best !