The Abbey of Corbie (France)

Abbey Saint-Pierre of Corbie (France).

The Abbey of Corbie, founded in 657 AD by Queen Bathilde (and supported by her husband, King Clovis II), was one of the most influential Benedictine monasteries in medieval Europe. Located in northern France, the abbey quickly became a center of learning, culture, and religious life. It played a crucial role during the Carolingian Renaissance, helping to preserve ancient manuscripts and sending out missionaries across Europe. Through its scriptorium, the abbey became a guardian of knowledge, safeguarding texts that might otherwise have been lost during the early medieval period.

The Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre, originally built in the 9th century, stands as a testament to this rich history. The church, once the central structure of the abbey, is a stunning Gothic building. Over the centuries, it has been reconstructed several times, having endured fires and wars. Today, only about one-third of its original length remains. However, visitors can still admire its impressive facade, towering vaults, and intricate furnishings, which hint at the abbey's former grandeur. The church’s architecture reflects the immense influence of Corbie in its time, both spiritually and culturally.

Unfortunately, the abbey's prominence came to an end with the French Revolution, when it was closed in August 1790, sold off as national property, and eventually demolished. Despite this, the surviving church remains a key historical site. Visitors can explore not only the remnants of the abbey but also the museum in Corbie, which delves into the rich history of both the abbey and the town itself.

In short, the Abbey of Corbie stands as a powerful reminder of the role monastic communities played in shaping medieval European intellectual and spiritual life, with its surviving church offering a glimpse into this important past.

Corbie Abbey in 1677, image taken from the "Monasticon Gallicanum".

Saint-Émilion

A view on the medieval city of Saint-Émilion.

Nestled among the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, lies Saint-Émilion, a charming village exuding timeless beauty. Its cobblestone streets, adorned with flowers, wind through ancient stone buildings, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.

Strolling through Saint-Émilion, we discovered charming cafes, and boutiques. And although it was December, we enjoyed beautiful spring-like weather. The village invites visitors to explore catacombs, sample renowned wines, or simply enjoy leisurely afternoons in the town square. Saint-Émilion is a place where time seems to pause, enveloping every moment in magic and wonder.

Alsace's Culinary Delights

A shopwindow with Alsatian specialties in Ribeauville (France).

The Alsace region in northeastern France is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, blending French and German influences to create a unique and flavorful cuisine. Known for hearty dishes and exquisite wines, Alsace offers a wide array of delicacies that reflect its diverse history and deep-rooted gastronomic traditions.

One of the most famous Alsatian specialties is choucroute garnie, a dish of fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) typically served with a variety of meats such as sausages, pork knuckles, and bacon. Another iconic dish is flammekueche (or tarte flambée), a thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons, resembling a pizza.

Alsace is also celebrated for its foie gras, a delicacy made from the liver of a fattened duck or goose, which is often served as a luxurious appetizer. Baeckeoffe, a hearty casserole of marinated meats (pork, beef, and lamb) slow-cooked with potatoes, onions, and white wine, is another traditional dish that showcases the region's love for comforting, slow-cooked meals.

Alsace’s wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer, pair perfectly with these regional dishes, adding a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cuisine. From savory meats to delicate pastries like the spiced pain d’épices (gingerbread), Alsace’s delicacies offer a taste of the region’s history and traditions, making it a gastronomic treasure of France.

Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France

Students from Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France (Metz, 2024)

Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France is a renowned French organization focused on training craftsmen through a tradition of apprenticeship and mobility. The association allows young men and women to learn trades such as carpentry, masonry, leatherwork, and baking while traveling across France and internationally. It promotes values like solidarity and skill-sharing, vital to French cultural heritage. Since 2010, the guild has been included in the UNESCO register of intangible cultural heritage.

During our visit to Metz, we met students from this institute who were mastering diverse crafts, representing the living legacy of France's artisanal history.

For more, visit their website (Les Compagnons du Devoir).

Laon (France)

Laon, situated in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, has a rich and storied history dating back to ancient times. Founded by the Gauls, it later became an important Roman settlement known as Augusta Viromanduorum. However, Laon truly rose to prominence during the medieval period as a key political and religious center.

In the early Middle Ages, Laon became the capital of the powerful Carolingian dynasty under Charlemagne's rule. The city prospered as an important administrative, cultural, and economic hub. It was during this time that Laon Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, was constructed atop the city's imposing hill, dominating the skyline and symbolizing the city's importance.

Throughout the medieval period, Laon remained a significant player in the political landscape of France. It served as a royal residence and hosted several important ecclesiastical councils. The city was also a center of learning and scholarship, with its renowned cathedral school attracting students and scholars from far and wide.

In the 12th century, Laon became embroiled in the power struggles between the French monarchy and various noble families. The city witnessed numerous sieges and battles, including the famous Battle of Laon in 1112, which saw King Louis VI of France defeat an alliance of rebellious barons.

Despite its tumultuous history, Laon continued to thrive as a center of commerce and craftsmanship. Its textile industry, in particular, flourished, contributing to the city's prosperity.

During the Renaissance, Laon experienced a period of cultural and artistic renewal, with the cathedral and other historic buildings undergoing restoration and embellishment.

In the centuries that followed, Laon endured periods of decline and resurgence, but it remained an important regional center. Today, Laon retains much of its medieval charm, with its well-preserved old town, imposing ramparts, and stunning cathedral drawing visitors from around the world. The city's rich history and architectural heritage continue to captivate and inspire all who visit.

The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse in Lisieux (France)

The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse in Lisieux is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site located in the town of Lisieux, Normandy, France. Constructed in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873 - 1897), also known as the "Little Flower," the basilica serves as a place of reverence and devotion for believers from around the world.

Designed by architect Louis Marie Cordonnier, construction of the basilica began in 1929 and was completed in 1954. The basilica's architectural style is neo-Byzantine, characterized by its towering spires, intricate mosaics, and vibrant stained glass windows. Its grandeur reflects the profound impact of Saint Thérèse's spirituality and teachings on the Catholic faithful.

Inside the basilica, visitors are greeted by a serene atmosphere filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers. The sanctuary houses relics of Saint Thérèse, including her remains, and serves as a place of pilgrimage for those seeking healing, guidance, and spiritual renewal.

The Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Saint Thérèse and her "little way" of love and simplicity. It continues to attract pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and encounter with the divine.

Jeanne d'Arc - Joan of Arc

Jeanne d’Arc on horseback, Vaucouleurs.

Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc; 1412 - 1431) was born in Domrémy, France, in 1412. She emerged as a pivotal figure during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Jeanne was raised in a devout Catholic family and from a young age, she claimed to experience divine visions and heard voices urging her to support the French crown and expel the English from France.

In 1429, at the age of just 17, Jeanne convinced Charles VII, the uncrowned Dauphin of France, to allow her to lead a French army to break the Siege of Orléans. She wielded considerable influence over military strategies and inspired the troops with her fervor and faith. Under her guidance, the French forces achieved a series of crucial victories, including the liberation of Orléans, which marked a turning point in the war.

Jeanne's military successes continued, and she played a key role in securing Charles VII's coronation at Reims in 1429, cementing his legitimacy as the rightful king of France. However, her fortunes changed when she was captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, in 1430. She was subsequently handed over to the English and subjected to a politically motivated trial led by ecclesiastical authorities. In 1431, at the age of 19, Jeanne was unjustly convicted of heresy and burned at the stake in Rouen.

Despite her tragic end, Jeanne d'Arc's legacy endured. In 1456, she was posthumously declared innocent by an inquisitorial court, and in 1920, she was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Jeanne's bravery, conviction, and unwavering commitment to her visions made her a symbol of French unity and resistance against foreign oppression. She remains an enduring icon in French history, revered for her courage and determination in the face of adversity, and her importance to France as a national heroine cannot be overstated.

A postcard representing Jeanne d’Arc’s birth house and the church where she was baptized in Domrémy-la-Pucelle.

The Mystic Mill, Vézelay (France)

In the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Vézelay, many column capitals are decorated with depictions of Christian stories. The representation shown in this picture visualizes the story of the Mystic Mill. It depicts two figures. One pours grain into a mill, and the other collects the processed flour in a bag. The image is unique in Romanesque sculpture and does not seem to depict any known biblical story. However, a stained glass window in the Abbey of Saint-Denis (France), created around 1140, identifies the figures in this representation as Moses and Saint Paul. This identification helps understand the image as an allegory of the transformation of the Old Laws from the Old Testament to the New Laws of the New Testament. The cross within the mill-wheel symbolizes the transformation process of the mill and Christ's journey to the cross.

Cathedrals and Churches, Medieval Internet hubs focused on Storytelling

Interior of Église Saint-Martin, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (France).

Cathedrals and churches, adorned with statues of saints and imagery, functioned as medieval equivalents of internet sites, seamlessly connecting individuals to a vast network of stories and teachings. Just as one navigates through web pages, visitors to cathedrals could explore the narratives depicted in sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows. Each saint or image served as a portal to a distinct storyline, offering moral lessons, accounts of miraculous deeds, and examples of piety. Pilgrims and worshippers had the opportunity to access this treasury of tales, fostering a connection with the spiritual and cultural legacy of their community. In essence, cathedrals served as pivotal centers of information and inspiration, granting entry to a rich reservoir of religious and moral wisdom, much akin to browsing the web for knowledge and enlightenment.

Altarpiece by Juan de Valmaseda (1524), Cathedral of León (Spain)

Nostalgia from the Valley of the Meuse in Northern France

Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, Vézelay (France)

Vézelay is a particularly historic place in Burgundy, France. Its significance stems from the Benedictine monastery founded there in the 9th century.

Right from the beginning of its existence, the site became important because it was claimed that the bones of Mary Magdalene were found there. This quickly turned the village into an important pilgrimage site and transformed the village into a town. The location also became an important starting point for the Camino de Santiago.

Around 1120, after a massive fire in which more than 1000 pilgrims perished, construction of the current basilica started.

In 1146, Vézelay briefly became the center of the World. Pope Eugene III had asked abbot Bernard of Clairvaux to call for the second crusade to the Holy Land on Easter Sunday. Louis VII (King of France), and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine were there as well and supported the abbot.

In the 13th century, interest in Vézelay diminished considerably. The Catholic Church no longer embraced it as the place where Mary Magdalene was buried. This resulted in a decreasing flow of pilgrims. Over the centuries, Vézelay has retained its role as a starting point for the Camino to Santiago de Compostela.