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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Georges du Bizot, located in the Doubs department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, finds its origins in the 1st quarter of the sixteenth century. Its initial construction in 1508 is attributed to the plans of architect Pierre Dard and master mason Perrot, although the building suffered a fire in the 15th century (before its partial reconstruction in 1733 by architect Bassignot). This monument is distinguished by its flamboyant Gothic style, with three naves of six spans and a unique lava roof (460 tons), supported by a frame of 100 m3 of fir, redone in the 20th century.

Ranked a historic monument on December 18, 1969 (excluding the modern bell tower), the church houses remarkable furniture, including 16th and 17th century statues and paintings (such as La Pietà or Saint-Augustin), protected since June 24, 1964. Its organ, built in 1835 by Joseph Callinet and modified in 1912, has also been classified since 1973. The building, owned by the municipality, depends on the parish of the plateau du Russey, attached to the diocese of Besançon.

The church architecture reflects the techniques and aesthetics of the nascent Renaissance in Franche-Comté, while its furniture illustrates the evolution of religious practices between the Middle Ages and the modern era. The protection of its elements (restables, statues, organ) underlines its heritage importance, both for local history and for regional sacred art. The lava roof, rare in the region, also bears witness to the geological resources used historically for construction.

Although partially rebuilt in the 18th century, the original structure (naves, spans) preserves traces of the initial plans of Dard and Perrot. The pre-16th century fire mentioned in the sources, however, remains poorly documented: no specific date or cause is specified. The 1969 classification deliberately excludes the bell tower, considered too recent to be a heritage protection.

Today, Saint George's Church remains an active place of worship, integrated into a wider parish network, while attracting art and history lovers for its hybrid architecture (gothic/renaissance) and its classified furniture. Its location at 3 A Rue de l'Eglise, in Bizot, makes it a point of major interest of the Doubs heritage.

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