THE CATHEDRAL AND THE CLOISTER

Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral has a rich past and is intimately linked to one man: Richelieu (1606-1623). The abbey-church, which became a cathedral in 1317, is dominated by an elegant spire rising to 85 m. The façade was built at the end of the 17th century by François Leduc, known as "Tuscan" for his references to Tuscan art. Its 3 floors superimpose the orders: Doric, Ionian and Corinthian. Part of the transept dates from the first abbey-church of the 12th century. 17th century furniture, a pulpit painted with flowers and fruits from the top of which Richelieu is said to have preached, and the Descent from the Cross (Lubin Baugin) decorate the interior. The cathedral furniture (altar, ambo and cathedra) of the contemporary goldsmith Goudji adds to the spirituality of the place. The Debierre choir organ echoes the great Cavaillé-Coll organ in the gallery, classified as a Historic Monument. To the right of the cathedral, a door marked with the coat of arms of the Cardinal of Bourbon-Vendôme (16th century), gives access to the cloister which is worth the detour. From the 16th century, the galleries communicate with the cathedral. The Italian, Gothic and Renaissance styles are mixed there. Upstairs, the superb library of the bishopric, more recent, does not depart from the whole. The Sainte-Ursule chapel is a jewel of the late 17th century with its painted wooden ceiling. Over a length of 33 metres, one discovers a message: from the earth, with the musical instruments, to the sky, passing through the stage of the Passion and Death.