Notre-Dame-en-Vaux

Notre-Dame-en-Vaux is a Gothic collegiate church in Châlons-en-Champagne with four levels of stone walls, pointed arches, and tall windows that allow light to fill the interior. The structure combines early Romanesque features with later Gothic elements and contains a carillon system of 56 bells.

Construction began in 1157 and continued until 1217, with the building evolving from Romanesque to Gothic styles across its long construction period. This extended timeline shaped how the architecture developed and reflects the transition in medieval design during that era.

The church has served as a spiritual center for the city for centuries, drawing visitors who seek its sacred purpose and community role. People come here to pray, attend services, and listen to the bells that ring regularly throughout the day.

The church is open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM and welcomes visitors for self-guided exploration or audio guides. Remember that services may be taking place, so keeping quiet and dressing respectfully is important when entering.

Archaeological excavations in 1973 uncovered remains of a medieval cloister with decorated stone statues buried beneath the church grounds. This discovery led to the creation of the Musée du Cloître Notre-Dame, which displays these rare medieval carved works.

Location: Châlons-en-Champagne

Inception: 1157

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Part of: Way of Saint James UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

Address: 1 Place Notre Dame, 51000 Châlons-en-Champagne, France

Opening Hours: Monday 09:00-18:00; Tuesday 07:00-19:30; Wednesday 07:00-22:00; Thursday-Saturday 07:00-19:30; Sunday 07:00-18:30

Phone: +33768724051

Website: https://chalons.catholique.fr/stetienne/les-eglises

GPS coordinates: 48.95744,4.36367

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50