Abbey Church in Grandvaux
For more than 900 years, a church dedicated to the nativity of the Virgin Mary has stood out in Grandvaux. It is located on the edge of the lake where the “imperial dome” of the current robust bell tower is reflected. In the Middle Ages, a fortified monastery stood here, surrounded by water and accessible by a drawbridge.
Several works can be discovered inside (paintings, statues, etc.) as well as an organ (made by the factor Jacquet de Bar-le-Duc, and inaugurated in 1881).
Brief history:
- 6th century: the first monks settle south-east of the lake.
- 12th century: construction to the north-east of the church and an Augustinian monastery, subsequently taken over by the Benedictines.
- 15th century: the abbot of Saint-Claude, Étienne Fauquier, restored the monastic buildings and rebuilt the church.
- 1632-1642: Franche-Comté is ravaged by Swedish mercenaries.
- 18th century: major repairs to the choir and the bell tower, opening of windows, installation of a floor.
- 1880: embellishment and installation of the organ in the choir.
- 1950-1975: further restorations and moving of the organ to its current location.
- 2013: development of the site.
In winter, the church will only be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
However, during school holidays, the church will be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
The summer schedule (Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.) will undoubtedly be resumed for Palm Sunday, this year on April 2.
Facilities and services nearby: parking and public toilets, picnic tables, children's play area, restaurants, hiking trails.
