Abbatial Church of Saint-Ouen

Introducing the Abbatial Church of Saint-Ouen, a fine example of the Rayonnant Gothic style. It’s often mistaken for a cathedral due to its immense size – it’s over 130 metres long and 33 metres high! Founded around 750 AD, it came to replace a large Romanesque church destroyed in a fire. It took more than two centuries to build, and yet all builders, one after another, stayed true to the original vision. Today, the church stands amidst the peaceful gardens of the former Benedictine monastery, once among the most powerful ones in the region. Its interior is equally impressive and well-preserved. This place is an architectural gem. Prepare to be awe-struck! Let’s go in through the central portal, where we’ll be greeted by the statue of Saint-Ouen. Look around. The interior is all bathed in light thanks to the 80 beautiful stained-glass windows, and the perfectly preserved oak-wood roof is a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. The massive pipe organ at the end of the nave is world-famous and has been recorded countless times. So you see, visiting this church is a must! It’s been listed as a historical monument since 1840, and there are plans to restore it in the very near future.