Temples built before the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes

Most of the temples built during the XVIth and XVIIth centuries, before the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685), have almost disappeared. They were quite big, built according to a square or rectangular plan, with little or no interior decoration. Crucifixes and statues could only be found in Lutheran Churches.

Lyons (69), interior of the Paradis temple (1564) © Fonds B.P.U. Genève
The Church of Saint-Martin de Montbéliard © S.H.P.F.
Temple, Charenton (94) © Reymond
Temple, Collet de Dèze © Reymond
The temple in Mandajors (30) © O. d'Haussonville
Nîmes, Calade gate, only remaining element © O. d'Haussonville

Associated tours

  • History and architecture of Protestant temples

    The Protestants very readily adopted the term temple, still specific to French Calvinism, contrary to the Lutherans, with the exception of the Montbéliard region, the Anglicans, Presbyterians and Episcopelians who...

Associated notes