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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church Saint-Epvre de Contrexéville, located in the Vosges department in the Grand Est region, finds its origins in the second half of the 12th century. The oldest part is the tower of the Romanesque choir, to which a rectangular apse was added to the east. This primitive structure, marked by a Gothic arch still visible on the outside, bears witness to the first phases of medieval construction. The site today preserves traces of this time, especially in the old vaulted choir with cross-ribs, reassigned to the Baptist after the later reconstructions.

In the 16th century, the Romanesque nave was replaced by a larger building, itself demolished in 1774-1777 to give way to the present building, with the exception of the original tower. This reconstruction of the 18th century radically altered the traditional orientation of the church: the choir was moved south, while the old tower was located east of the new building. The bell tower, an emblematic element, was inscribed as historical monuments by order of 3 March 1926, highlighting its heritage value.

The interior of the church houses several remarkable elements, including a 13th century retable fragment, rediscovered in 1968, representing the twelve apostles. A statue of Saint Epvre in limestone, probably dating from the 15th century (100 cm in height), as well as a commemorative painting of 1914-1918, illustrating figures such as Jeanne d'Arc and a saint legionnaire, enrich his artistic heritage. The stained glass windows, created by Jacques Bony (14 glass windows), complement this ensemble, mixing local history and religious symbols.

The building, owned by the municipality, reflects the architectural and cultural developments of Contrexéville, thermal town of Vosges. Its bell tower, the only protected element, recalls the historical importance of the site, while the successive transformations testify to the liturgical and aesthetic needs of the eras traversed. The available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm its anchoring in the Lorraine heritage, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations.

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