Notre-Dame-de-la-Grande

The Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, in Poitiers

The Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande is the true jewel of Poitiers, famous for its magnificent sculpted Romanesque façade. The Poitiers audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this masterpiece of Poitevin Romanesque art, a stone history book.

The jewel of Poitevin Romanesque art

The Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande is the true jewel of Poitiers, one of the finest examples of Romanesque art in France. Its façade is quite simply extraordinary: it is Poitevin Romanesque style in all its splendour. Entirely covered with sculptures, it presents itself as a stone history book, to be admired without moderation. Sculpted friezes unroll there scenes of the Bible, from the Creation to the New Testament, framed by fine columns, arcatures and ornamental motifs of great richness. This façade, which formerly shone with colours, had a didactic vocation, telling the holy history to the faithful. Inside, the Romanesque nave, the sculpted capitals and the decor also testify to the beauty of this art. A major sanctuary and a masterpiece of Romanesque art, the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande is discovered with respect and wonder.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the jewel of Poitiers and one of the finest examples of Poitevin Romanesque art, its extraordinary façade entirely sculpted like a stone book unrolling scenes of the Bible, formerly shining with colours, as well as its Romanesque nave and its capitals. The Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande is a masterpiece of Romanesque art. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande lies in the heart of the historic centre of Poitiers, on its square, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary with celebrations. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the façade of Notre-Dame-la-Grande of Poitiers famous?

Because it is one of the finest examples of Poitevin Romanesque art: entirely covered with sculptures, it presents itself as a stone history book unrolling scenes of the Bible, and formerly shone with colours.

Where is the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande of Poitiers?

In the heart of the historic centre of Poitiers, in France.