Saint-Vincent Church

This church is a real gem for a number of reasons. First, for just a few euros you can climb the bell tower and get stunning panoramic views of Carcassonne. It is also a fine example of Southern French Gothic architecture. We don’t know its full history, but what we do know is that it was built in the 14th century, or rather rebuilt, as there was an earlier church here dedicated to Saint Vincent. And let me tell you, it’s seen its share of action! In the 16th century, its tower served as a watchtower during the Wars of Religion; it was hit several times by cannon fire, but the city later restored it. Then, during the French Revolution, the church itself was turned into an artillery foundry, but it soon reopened as a place of worship in 1795. It was restored to its former glory in 1871, and listed as a historical monument in 1907. The 54-metre bell tower was actually built in two phases. Its square base dates from the mid-14th century, while the actual octagonal tower was added in the following century. Its 54-bell carillon is one of the largest in southern France. It’s from the top of this tower that several members of the Cassini family, renowned cartographers and astronomers, drew the first-ever topographical and geometrical map of the entire kingdom of France. It was a game-changer for its time and it truly revolutionized the field of cartography. Pierre Méchain and Jean-Baptiste Joseph Delambre climbed the very same tower in 1798 to advance their work on measuring the length of the earth’s meridian. This place has quite the history, don’t you think? And let’s not forget that for a century, Saint Vincent’s was also the Gothic church with the widest nave in the world! But that’s not all. There’s more to see! Step inside to discover its beautiful pipe organ, listed as a historical monument, and its lavish decor, notably the 17th-century paintings.