Saint-Jacques Church

The Church of Saint-Jacques, in Compiègne

The Church of Saint-Jacques is the main medieval parish church of Compiègne, closely linked to Joan of Arc. The Compiègne audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this Gothic sanctuary, where the heroine came to pray before her capture.

The Gothic church where Joan of Arc prayed

The Church of Saint-Jacques is the main medieval parish church of Compiègne, and one of the few to have crossed the centuries. Built from the thirteenth century in a fine Gothic style, it stands out by its high stone bell tower and its elegant architecture. But the church owes its notoriety above all to its link with Joan of Arc: according to tradition, it is here that the heroine came to pray and hear mass on the morning of 23 May 1430, the very day of her capture by the Burgundians under the walls of the town. This memory gives the place a particular memorial dimension, rooted in the history of France. Inside, the nave, the chapels and the furniture testify to the long religious life of the town. The building was embellished over the centuries, notably thanks to the gifts of the sovereigns who stayed at Compiègne. A major sanctuary and a place of memory, the Church of Saint-Jacques is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the main medieval parish church of Compiègne, built from the thirteenth century in a fine Gothic style, with an elegant stone bell tower, where according to tradition Joan of Arc came to pray on the morning of her capture on 23 May 1430, with an interior adorned with chapels and embellished over the centuries by the sovereigns. The Church of Saint-Jacques is a place of memory of Compiègne. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Saint-Jacques lies in the heart of Compiègne, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What link does the Church of Saint-Jacques of Compiègne have with Joan of Arc?

According to tradition, it is here that Joan of Arc came to pray and hear mass on the morning of 23 May 1430, the very day of her capture by the Burgundians under the walls of the town; the main medieval parish church of Compiègne, it is a place of memory of the heroine.

Where is the Church of Saint-Jacques of Compiègne?

In the heart of Compiègne, in the Oise, in France.