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)
The Church of Saint-Martin de Montbéliard
Temple, Charenton (94)
Temple, Collet de Dèze
The temple in Mandajors (30)
Nîmes, Calade gate, only remaining element

Associated tours

notice par défaut

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

Temple de l'Oratoire (2)

Civil and religious buildings turned into Temples after the Revolution

The nationalisation of clergy estates during the Revolution, and the disbanding of monastic communities left many churches, monasteries and abbeys unused.

Catholic heritage churches became temples after 1802

After the organic articles of 1802, many previously Catholic Churches and Chapels were expropriated by the Revolutionary Government; they became the property of the nation. Many were then granted to...
Les Paraboles, Jean-Pierre Brétegnier, vitrail d'Héricourt

Vitraux

Les vitraux figuratifs sont rares dans les temples, car les protestants refusent les ornements particuliers.
Plan du temple du Petit-Quevilly (Rouen, Seine-Maritime)

Décors de temple

Les temples protestants sont très sobres, car les lieux de culte doivent être dépouillés de toute image, pour éviter toute idolâtrie.
Demi-coupe du temple du Petit-Quevilly (Rouen, Seine-Maritime)

The architecture of 17th century churches

In the 17th century, Protestant religious architecture flourished all over France. Unfortunately few churches survive today – a large number were destroyed after only a short time.
Lyon (69), intérieur du Temple de Paradis (1564)

Protestant temples : from the 16th century to the Revocation

In 16th century France Reformed services were held in former Catholic churches and in new buildings.
Chaire de Calvin à Bourges (18)

Chaires

La chaire est élevée à un endroit du lieu de culte, d’où le pasteur puisse être vu et surtout entendu par l’ensemble des fidèles. Sa place dépend de la configuration...

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...
Lyon (69), intérieur du Temple de Paradis (1564)

Lyon, intérieur du Temple de Paradis (1564)

C’est l’un des principaux temples du XVIe siècle et l’un des rares dont nous avons une représentation.