Église Saint-Genest de Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Gothic church in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, France
Église Saint-Genest de Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is a 13th-century Gothic church whose nave was raised in the 15th century to fit stone tribunes on both sides. A flamboyant Gothic stone tribune and 16th-century stalls remain inside. The facade carries a white clock with Roman numerals, a round mullioned window and two carved niches holding small statues.
The church was built in the 13th century and underwent significant modifications during the 15th and 16th centuries under the direction of Quentin Ménard, Archbishop of Besançon. These alterations shaped the building's appearance as it stands today.
The church keeps the 16th-century choir stalls made for the Confrérie des Messieurs de Saint Genest, the college of clerics founded by Quentin Ménard in 1459 and dissolved at the Revolution. Its name honours Saint Genest (Saint Genès). The relics of Sainte Reine were moved here in 1793.
The church stands in the village centre of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, on a slope, so the approach is uphill. Inside, stone steps lead down from the raised galleries toward the altar; the upper level is bordered by a low balustrade with quatrefoil cutouts and a wooden railing. Visitors look down over that railing onto the nave and the altar area below.
The interior contains a 12th-century nursing Virgin statue and a 15th-century Annunciation Angel figure. These rare medieval artworks represent different artistic traditions and are valuable witnesses to their respective periods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,538 contributors worldwide.