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.

Many churches were destroyed before and after the Revocation of the edict of Nantes

Half-section of the temple of Petit-Quevilly (Rouen, Seine-Maritime)

Between 1664 and 1683, the churches in Montauban were destroyed.

In 1685, the date of the Revocation of the edict of Nantes, many churches, including some wonderful buildings (Caen, La Rochelle, Rouen…) were pulled down. Fortunately, though, the drawings and documents still survive.

After the Revolution, some Catholic churches were bought by the State and given to the Protestants

At the time of the Revolution in 1789, the Protestants were lucky enough to be given some very beautiful religious buildings, which had previously belonged to the Catholics. Some examples in Paris are the Eglise de l’Oratiore (Oratory Church), built by Lemercier in 1621 and the Chapelle Sainte-Marie, built by François Mansart between 1632 and 1634.

Bibliography

  • Sites
    • Les temples protestants de France | Link

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...
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.
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.

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...

Temples built after the Revolution

After the Concordat and the organic articles of 1802, there was a big revival in French Protestantism. Many new Churches were built throughout France.