NOTRE-DAME-DE-LA-NATIVITÉ

South-west of Joinville, this beautiful xiith century church stands on the site of a previous building. It was dedicated in 1272 and ranked in 1942. A well-known pilgrimage is still there in September. It was of great historical importance: a king, a Pope and even Joan of Arc came to pray there. The origin of the pilgrimage is mixed with a legend: A statue of the Virgin found in the woods by a logger revealed himself untransportable by men, but not by the innocent children of Blécourt. This building is a pure Gothic figure: striking lines, flamboyant openings, acute angles. The gallery of the fifteenth century, the capitals and sculptures, the statue of Notre-Dame de Blécourt, the xviiith century stains and oranges from the church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires in Paris will be admired. The upper part of the chair comes from the temple of Wassy. The stained glass windows are beautiful.