an unfinished cathedral at the 800th anniversary of history

Of all the French cities with a cathedral and celebrating their 800th birthday, Beauvais (Oise), with Saint-Pierre, is distinguished doubly. First, because it is both the oldest … and the most recent of these great ladies. His flamboyant style choir, whose work began in 1225, its transept and its Renaissance portals (16th century) which dazzled by the finesse of their serrated sculptures are indeed joined to a Carolingian truncated nave (end of the 10th century).

Like a disproportionate transplant. “Here, we can understand at the first glance how the builders of the Middle Ages proceeded when they enlarged a cathedral,” explains Marie Ansar, host of architecture and heritage in the city. They began by rebuilding the choir in a new style, then they demolished the nave by edge, as they rebuilt it, until reaching the west portal. »»

Festivities all year round

But in Beauvais, in 1600, the Gothic having passed from fashion and the finances of the canons was no longer flourishing, it was necessary to stop and we decided that one would enter the unstanched building by the door of the southern transept. The ancient cathedral became Notre-Dame de la Basse-ouvre, a separate church.

Second originality of the building: as soon as we enter inside, we are seized by its very impressive height. His ribbed vaults culminate at 48.5 m, breaking all records (33 m for Notre-Dame de Paris, For example). “The walls have almost disappeared in favor of stained glass windows and columns, supported outside by an exceptional system of buttons,” admired Father Mathieu Devred, guide to the Diocesan Service Art, Culture and Faith.

In parallel with the festivities organized on the forecourt throughout the year, the restoration work continues inside. “We will continue to celebrate this anniversary for another three years,” smiles the priest. In high point, two contemporary tapestries of Stéphane Couturier, on the theme of the Apocalypse, will soon supervise the choir. They will be woven next to it, at the National Manufacture of Beauvais, another essential place.

To see too

Located just behind the cathedral, in the splendid restored episcopal palace, this museum has just reorganized its collections. Are mainly honored, in a very beautiful scenography, the 19th and 20th centuries with very rich collections.

Rens: mudo.oise.fr or 03 44 10 40 50.