Visiting Les Andelys? Don’t miss the Collégiale Notre-Dame! This cathedral-sized church is a 13th-century architectural beauty. We were captivated by this historic monument, unique in Normandy, which harmoniously blends several artistic styles.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to the Collégiale Notre-Dame des Andelys.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Collégiale Notre-Dame des Andelys
Is the Collégiale worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Collégiale Notre-Dame des Andelys is well worth a visit. We were impressed by this historic monument, which boasts a remarkable collection of 16th-century stained glass windows and exterior architecture that invites you to travel through time.
With its cathedral-like dimensions and paintings by Quentin Varin, Nicolas Poussin’s first master, you’ll discover one of the richest places of worship in the département.
It’s one of the best attractions in Les Andelys.
Why is the Collégiale Notre-Dame famous?
The collegiate church is renowned for being an impressive Gothic edifice with cathedral-like dimensions. It is the oldest documented monastery foundation in Upper Normandy, established on the ruins of an abbey founded in 511 by Saint Clotilde, wife of Clovis I. A historic monument since 1840, its fascinating exterior architecture blends several styles, from Gothic to Flamboyant and Renaissance influences, the result of the skills of successive builders over 4 centuries.
Our favorite moments
We particularly appreciated several elements during our visit.
- The sublime stained glass windows designed by master glass artists Romain Buron and Arnoult de Nimègue transported us with their accounts of the lives of Christian apostles, saints and martyrs.
- The 1573 organ, sculpted by Étienne Delaune, also impressed us with its panels depicting Christian virtues and the sciences.
- Finally, the Entombment of Christ, located in the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, is a remarkable 16th-century piece that deserves your full attention.
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A charming historic heart, museums and attractions around every corner… We recommend..:
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History in brief
The Collégiale Notre-Dame has a rich history spanning several centuries.
- 511: Foundation of a women’s abbey by Saint Clotilde, wife of Clovis I
- 900: Destruction of the abbey by the Vikings during their invasion of Normandy
- 1215-1220: Construction begins on the choir and façade of the present-day collegiate church
- 13th century: Completion of the main building
- Late 15th century: Extensions and embellishments after the Hundred Years’ War
- 1570: Completion of final embellishment work
- 1840: Listed as a historical monument
How to find us: Collégiale Notre-Dame des Andelys, Normandy
Where is the Collégiale Notre-Dame?
- Downtown Les Andelys (but not the old town center)
- Rue Louis Pasteur, 27700 Les Andelys
- Near the Nicolas Poussin Museum
How to get there?
Note that the collegiate church is not in the old center near the Seine. But it’s not far off either.
The collegiate church is within easy walking distance of the center of Les Andelys. To get there by car, we recommend following the signs to the historic center. The site is well served and clearly signposted from the main traffic arteries.
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
Several parking options are available in the vicinity of the collegiate church. Free parking is available in the streets adjacent to the monument. We advise you to arrive early in high season to take advantage of the best seats.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We recommend that you visit the collegiate church in the morning or late afternoon, to take advantage of the optimal light conditions that enhance the stained glass windows. Spring and autumn also offer ideal conditions, with fewer tourists. If possible, avoid the second weekend in September, when the Foire à Tout is exceptionally closed.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 20min to 1h for a full, in-depth tour of the collegiate church. This time will allow you to admire all the stained glass windows, the historic organ, the entombment and the various architectural elements. Access is on one level and presents no particular difficulties for people with reduced mobility.
Advice on how to visit
We suggest you begin your visit by looking at the exterior of the monument, to appreciate the different architectural styles. Then enter through the west façade and head for the choir to admire the stained glass windows in chronological order. Finish your tour with the historic organ and the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, home to the remarkable Entombment.
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Visiting with children
The collegiate church is perfect for a family visit. Children will particularly appreciate the bright colors of the stained glass windows and the sculpted details of the organ. We recommend explaining the story of Saint Clotilde, and getting them involved by looking for the different characters depicted in the glass.
Schedules and rates
The collegiate church is open:
- Winter: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Summer: 9am – 7pm
- open daily (except one weekend in early September)
- Free admission
- Latest news on the city’s website here
Guided tours
Guided group tours are available on reservation. To organize your visit, contact the Tourist Office on 02 32 21 31 29 or by email at [email protected].
A remarkable blend of architectural styles
A Gothic building of cathedral proportions
We were struck by the imposing silhouette of the collegiate church as soon as we arrived. Its exceptional dimensions – 70 meters long, 24 meters wide at the transept and 21 meters under the vault – rival those of a cathedral. The sheer scale of the building testifies to the ambition of the 13th-century builders to create a monument worthy of the oldest monastic foundation in Upper Normandy. You’ll also be impressed by the Gothic harmony of the long nave and choir, which immediately strikes visitors with its elegance.
Facades in contrasting styles
In our opinion, the exterior architecture of the collegiate church is a veritable lesson in artistic history. We admired the striking contrast between the sober Gothic interior and the richly stylized exterior.
The 15th-century neo-Gothic south facade features flames and contoured forms in the spirit of flamboyant architecture, while the 16th-century Renaissance north facade features columns, pilasters and antique-style friezes.
This architectural diversity, the fruit of four centuries of construction and embellishment, offers you a veritable journey through the ages. The lacy stonework, antique columns and Greek-inspired statues bear witness to changing artistic tastes.
Artistic treasures in the collegiate church
Exceptional stained glass windows by master glassmakers
Step inside the collegiate church and you’ll be immediately captivated by the splendor of the stained glass windows that bathe the building in a beautiful light. It’s a succession of stained glass windows created by 16th-century glass masters Arnoult de Nimègue and Romain Buron, recounting the lives of saints, martyrs and apostles. The stained glass windows in the south aisle date from 1540, and those at the top of the nave from 1560.
The historic organ and its sculpted gallery
We were particularly impressed by the majestic organ, one of the jewels of the collegiate church. The carved wooden organ case dates from 1573 and depicts biblical scenes, mythology and the sciences of the time.
This grandstand, with its Renaissance sculpted panels by Étienne Delaune, is a listed historic monument! You’ll see figures representing the virtues, liberal arts and sciences, as well as mythological divinities.
The organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll was responsible for the current instrument, which still resonates during masses and concerts today.
Remarkable works of art
The collegiate church houses an exceptional collection of paintings, testifying to its artistic importance. Here you’ll find paintings by Quentin Varin dating from 1612, including Le Triomphe de la Vierge (The Triumph of the Virgin). Quentin Varin, author of Les Noces de Cana and master of Nicolas Poussin, probably inspired the young Andelys-born artist to become a painter.
You’ll also discover a major work by Jacques Stella, “Jésus enfant retrouvé au Temple par ses parents” (1640). This canvas, one of the greatest works of the 17th century, illustrates the talent of this painter to King Louis XIII and friend of Nicolas Poussin.
Sculptural and movable heritage
The entombment of the Holy Sepulchre
In the Sepulchre chapel, we discovered an imposing 16th-century sculptural group depicting the entombment of Christ. This remarkable sculpture comes from the Carthusian monastery of Bourbon-lèz-Gaillon.
We were struck by the expressiveness of the characters and the finesse of the execution that characterize this work. The anatomical details, drapery and emotion of each figure testify to the talent of the sculptors of the period.
Statuary and decorative elements
The collegiate church conceals many other sculpted treasures worthy of your attention. We admired the statues of Saint Clotilde honoring the founder of the original abbey, as well as a 15th-century polychrome Christ, a testament to the religious art of the period. And many other decorative elements, often overlooked by visitors in a hurry…
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Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a cathedral and a collegiate church?
A cathedral is the main church of a diocese, seat of the bishop, while a collegiate church is a church served by a college of canons without being the episcopal see. The Collégiale Notre-Dame des Andelys, although of cathedral proportions, has never had this administrative status.
Can we visit the collegiate church during services?
The collegiate church remains an active place of worship. We recommend that you respect office hours and avoid sightseeing during these times. Please contact your local parish office to find out when the celebrations take place, and plan your visit accordingly.
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