Religious Heritage

A historic church dating back to the reign of Saint Louis, the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine features remarkable painted decorations on its beamed ceiling, which date to 1645 and were recently restored. 

Site History
The Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, located in the village of Douvrend in the valley of the Eaulne, was established during the reign of Saint Louis. Over the centuries, it has been damaged and partially rebuilt several times, leading to significant deterioration. In the 17th century, the church became a notable site when it was associated with the “Filles du roy,” young women sent by the French Crown to populate the colony in Canada as part of an initiative to settle the New World. Among its notable features are painted decorations on the beamed ceiling, which include works titled Noli me tangere and Sainte Catherine d’Alexandrie. The paintings date to 1645 and are listed as a historic monument. 

About the Project
The village of Douvrend has been engaged in a large-scale restoration project since 2018, with the goal of preserving the church’s authenticity while ensuring its stability. The second phase of work aims to repair and strengthen the structure, with a focus on the choir, sacristy and side chapels, while also addressing the urgent need to restore the nave, which is at risk of collapse. The project emphasizes the preservation of the painted decorations on the beamed ceiling, which were restored as part of the current restoration project.

Today, the restoration effort also includes plans to conserve two important wall paintings: Noli me Tangere and Sainte Catherine d’Alexandrie, both integral to the church’s artistic and spiritual heritage.

Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Today
Once completed, the restoration will secure the church’s structural integrity and preserve its historical features, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its cultural and architectural significance. The community of Douvrend continues to rally around this important heritage site, which stands as a symbol of the village’s deep historical roots and dedication to preserving its past.

The only Cluniac site in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, the Prieuré du Bourget-du-Lac is renowned for its magnificent Gothic cloister.

Site History

The Priory of Bourget-du-Lac was built around 1030 for the monks of Cluny. It was placed under the protection of the Counts of Savoy, who contributed greatly to the priory’s wealth. Rebuilt in the 13th century and restored in the 15th century, the priory is particularly renowned for its magnificent Gothic cloister. The site as a whole attests to great architectural and artistic richness, both inside and out.

Jesuits replaced the monks of Cluny in 1773, after which Franciscans briefly occupied the priory. Sold as national property during the French Revolution, it passed into the hands of several successive owners. Following its acquisition by an art lover who sold it to the Duchess of Choiseul in 1915, the estate was purchased by the city of Le Bourget-du-Lac in 1952. The priory is under consideration to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in conjunction with the European Federation of Cluniac Sites. It is the only Cluniac site in Savoie and Haute-Savoie.

About the Project

The current restoration project, for which preliminary studies are underway, concerns the roof of the priory complex. Work will begin in late 2023 and last throughout 2024. This is the initial phase of a broader restoration campaign for the site, which will take place from 2026 to 2029 in preparation for the millennium of the priory in 2030.

The Priory Today

As part of the effort to bring this magical place to life by preserving and enhancing it, the municipality organizes tours of the cloister, the refectory, the kitchen and its 15th-century fireplace, the library with its Cordoba leather ceiling (thanks to the Duchess de Choiseul) and the Saint-Claude Chapel. The priory also holds numerous artistic, cultural and social events. The refectory and kitchen host exhibitions, conferences and meetings, while the vaulted library hosts weddings. In the summer, young prodigies fill the medieval cloister with classical music. Other events include the annual Christmas market and garden parties.

The priory is anchored in history by the architectural, historical and symbolic richness of belonging to the network of Cluniac sites, which for several centuries radiated throughout Europe. The support of the European Federation of Cluniac Sites for its candidacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site presents an exceptional opportunity for the future of the town while highlighting and honoring its history, which spans nearly 1,000 years.

A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay has been a major pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages, welcoming visitors from around the world.

Site History
Founded in the 9th century as a Benedictine abbey, the Basilica of Vézelay played a key role in medieval pilgrimage routes, particularly as a departure point for the Camino de Santiago. Rebuilt in the 12th century, the basilica is renowned for its harmonious Romanesque design, remarkable tympanum and intricately carved capitals depicting biblical scenes.

Situated atop the hill of Vézelay, the basilica has long been a spiritual and cultural landmark. It has witnessed significant historical events, including the preaching of the Second Crusade by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in 1146. Over the centuries, it faced periods of decline, leading to major restorations in the 19th century under the direction of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who helped revive its grandeur.

About the Project
The current restoration phase focuses on restoring two interior bays and five exterior bays of the nave and side aisles. Conservation efforts include:

• Stone restoration: Repairing damaged limestone blocks and reinforcing weakened walls.
• Sculptural preservation: Cleaning and stabilizing the intricate capitals and reliefs that adorn the nave’s columns to address erosion.
• Structural reinforcement: Strengthening the foundation and vaulted ceilings to ensure long-term stability.

The goal is to safeguard the basilica’s artistic and architectural heritage while maintaining its role as an active place of worship and cultural discovery.

Basilique de Vézelay Today
As one of France’s most treasured monuments, the Basilica of Vézelay continues to attract pilgrims, historians and art lovers alike. Its breathtaking architecture and serene hilltop setting offer a timeless experience to visitors. The ongoing restoration seeks to ensure that future generations can continue to admire and appreciate this jewel of Romanesque art, preserving its legacy as a beacon of faith, history and beauty.

The 18th-century Château de la Rongère features magnificent formal gardens that remain unchanged since their creation in 1760. 

Site History

The lands of La Rongère were sold in 1294 to Macé de Quatrebarbes, whose family built several châteaux on the site in the following centuries. The current château consists of three wings: the Louis XIII and Louis XIV wings, built by the Quatrebarbes family; and the Louis XV wing, built in the second half of the 18th century by the de Montecler family. In 1890, the Louis XIV and Louis XIII wings underwent extensive restoration. During this time, the “gendarme hat” was added to the right tower, and updates were made to the ornamentation and numerous sculptures on the façades, in particular those of the chapel, the interior of which was completely redone in the style of the time.

This 18th-century château features an impressive French park and formal gardens created by the Abbé de Montecler in 1760. Designed according to Le Notre’s principles and classified as a historic monument, the gardens have remained intact since then and are the most magnificent in the Mayenne department.

About the Project

The restoration concerns the roof of the chapel, as well as the masonry of the upper section. The chapel was completely restored in 1890 in the style of the 19th century, and it has undergone other repairs and roof maintenance since then. However, its current condition is worrying: the interior suffers from water infiltration, and the stucco from the ceiling is falling; outside, the awnings have been badly damaged by rain, and the sculptures are also damaged. The roof is in poor overall condition. 

Château de la Rongère Today

During the summer, the Château de la Rongère welcomes the public to explore its French-style gardens. Once restored, the chapel will be open to the public along with the gardens.

Constructed around 1140, the Chapel of Sainte-Marie-aux-Anglais has remarkably retained its original form, offering a rare glimpse into medieval ecclesiastical design. 

Site History

Situated in the Norman countryside near Le Mesnil-Mauger, France, the Chapel of Sainte-Marie-aux-Anglais is a remarkable example of 12th-century Norman architecture. The interior walls are adorned with 13th-century murals depicting scenes from the lives of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, as well as the murder of Thomas Becket and a castle under attack by neighboring peasants. These paintings serve not only as artistic masterpieces but also as educational tools reflecting the medieval worldview. 

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the chapel functioned as a parish church under the Diocese of Lisieux. However, by 1836, parishioners sought to join more-accessible churches, leading to the chapel’s desacralization and subsequent neglect. 

About the Project

Recognized as a historic monument in 1910, the chapel has undergone several restoration efforts to preserve its structural integrity and artistic heritage. In 2017, significant work was undertaken to restore the bell tower, including the delicate process of lifting the shaft for repairs. In 2024, French Heritage Society, together with the William T. Kemper Foundation, supported the restoration of the chapel’s nave. The ongoing restoration efforts focus on preserving the chapel’s unique architectural features and invaluable murals. In addition, a comprehensive study of the paintings has been conducted, including high-resolution photography, to inform future conservation strategies. 

Chapelle de Sainte-Marie-aux-Anglais Today

Today, the chapel stands as a testament to medieval Norman architecture and art. Its well-preserved state offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the ambiance of a 12th-century place of worship, complete with original murals and architectural details. The ongoing restoration ensures that this historical gem remains accessible for future generations to appreciate and study.

The Abbaye de La Lucerne, an exemplar of medieval Premonstratensian architecture, offers a rare glimpse into monastic life from the 12th century onward.

Site History

Nestled in a lush Norman landscape, the Abbaye de La Lucerne is a remarkable example of medieval Premonstratensian architecture in France. Thanks to significant restoration work over the past half decade, it offers a rare glimpse into monastic life from the 12th century onward. The abbey was listed as a historic monument in 1928. Its luminous architecture, serene surroundings and long history of restoration make it a site of both spiritual reflection and cultural heritage.

About the Project

The abbey has undergone significant preservation efforts since 1959. The current project marks the third major restoration in its history. It encompasses conservation of the abbey’s historic buildings, including the 15th-century guest house, the 17th-century priory and tithe barns, and the 18th-century abbot’s residence, as well as the vegetable and flower gardens. The project extends to structural restoration of the abbey church’s tiled floors and plaster walls, along with the reconstruction of the east convent walls and the 18th-century cloister.

The Abbey Today

Throughout its history, the abbey has been a place of devotion and intellectual exchange. Today, it continues to serve as a center for spiritual retreats, liturgical celebrations and religious festivals organized by the Fraternity of the Abbey of La Lucerne. The restoration project will further transform the site into a green community, dedicated to social, educational, artistic and spiritual activities. In addition to hosting training programs and creative workshops, the abbey will offer artist residencies for musicians, composers, painters and sculptors. Visitors of all ages will find a sanctuary for prayer, contemplation and the timeless beauty of Gregorian chants.

The founding house of the Cistercian Order, the Abbaye de Cîteaux remains a center of monastic life and a testament to the order’s enduring legacy.

Site History & Significance

Founded in 1098 by a group of Benedictine monks led by Saint Robert of Molesme, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux became the cradle of the Cistercian Order. The abbey’s austere architecture and devotion to simplicity shaped the movement that spread across Europe and United States, influencing religious and economic life through its network of daughter houses. During the Middle Ages, the abbey flourished as a center of learning and agricultural innovation, renowned for its scriptorium and illuminated manuscripts. However, it suffered significant losses during the French Revolution, with many of its structures dismantled or repurposed. 

About the Project

The définitoire, an essential space within the abbey, served as a gathering place for decision-making among the Cistercian leadership. Over centuries, exposure to humidity and structural shifts have led to the deterioration of its walls, woodwork and plaster. The current restoration project aims to stabilize and preserve this historically significant room, ensuring it continues to reflect the abbey’s profound spiritual and architectural heritage.

Work includes reinforcement of the timber framework, restoration of decorative elements and treatment of materials to prevent further degradation. By safeguarding this space, the project contributes to the broader effort of preserving Cîteaux’s monastic legacy for future generations.

Abbaye de Cîteaux Today

Nestled in the serene landscape of Burgundy, the Abbaye de Cîteaux remains an active monastery, home to a small community of monks dedicated to prayer, work and hospitality. It welcomes visitors interested in its rich history and spiritual traditions. The abbey is particularly known for its cheese production, which follows traditional Cistercian methods. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the historic buildings, including the restored définitoire, providing insight into the daily life of the monks and the abbey’s centuries-old mission of contemplation and stewardship.

A treasure trove of Norman religious architecture, the Notre-Dame de Carentan church showcases stained-glass windows from the 15th, 16th, 19th and 20th centuries, along with a magnificent 16th-century chapelle du Rosaire.

Site History & Significance

Situated in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, the Église Notre-Dame de Carentan holds a strategic position in the historic center of Carentan. A treasure trove of Norman religious architecture, this 11th-century church was originally built in the Romanesque style, though few vestiges of this period remain apart from the west portal and the four pillars of the transept. It was ravaged in the Hundred Years’ War and subsequently rebuilt in the Gothic style. The church has a beautiful collection of stained-glass windows from the 15th, 16th and 19th centuries, as well as windows installed after Carentan was liberated during World War II. Perhaps most notably, a magnificent 16th-century chapelle du Rosaire is located in the apse.

About the Restoration Project

Notre-Dame de Carentan has endured the ravages of time and is now in significant need of restoration, especially in terms of the roofing and the masonry on the southeast façade. The FHS grant will help with this effort and allow the church to remain open to the public for events.

Notre-Dame de Carentan Today

The imposing undertaking of restoring Notre-Dame de Carentan relies on a tight-knit community, represented by the town as well as the association for the church’s preservation and restoration. The association regularly organizes concerts and other events to raise funds to support the restoration effort and help bring the church to life.

A spiritual and economic center of Gascony until the 20th century, the Abbaye de Boulaur is now inhabited by a dynamic Cistercian community that is breathing new life into the building and the region.

Site History & Significance

A former priory of the Fontevrault order, the Abbaye de Boulaur was founded in 1142. Built in the Fontevrist style, the abbey showcases a stunning blend of influences and periods, including the Renaissance, Roman and Gothic. Splendid 14th-century frescoes adorn the choir vaults. The east wing dates to the late 13th century, built with alternating bricks and stones, and was remodeled in the 17th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, parts of the abbey were modified, and a cloister was built.

A veritable economic, agricultural and spiritual center in the Gascony region, the abbey held remarkable influence until the 20th century, when the nuns who lived there went into exile in Spain following the promulgation of laws expelling congregations. In 1949, it was taken over by a community of Cistercian sisters, who began breathing new life into the building.

About the Restoration Project

The FHS grant supports the restoration of a 13th-century diaphragm arch-vaulted room in the east wing to create a library. Originally conceived as the abbey’s refectory—the reader’s pulpit is still visible—the room was remodeled in the 17th century to accommodate a dormitory on the upper floor. This project will relocate the library to the heart of the abbey, adjacent to the cloister gallery, following the great Cistercian tradition of the scriptorium. A new staircase will also be created to facilitate circulation. This 200-square-meter space will generously accommodate the 50,000 books in the abbey’s collection, including some incunabula, in optimal conditions for conservation and presentation.

Abbaye de Boulaur Today

Today, the abbey is led by a dynamic group of Cistercian nuns who have undertaken numerous projects to raise awareness about their community. The sisters communicate about their daily life on social media, providing insights into everything from spiritual life to restoration work, working the land and meeting with visitors. The abbey is open to the public year-round, and it welcomes visitors to join in the life of the community, whether through weekend work retreats, opportunities for high school and university students to work and pray with the sisters, workdays in the fields and vegetable garden, or tourist visits. These activities are a testament to the community’s desire to make this heritage accessible to all while bringing tourism to the area.