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Origin and history

The church of Saint Aubin de Vaux-sur-Aure, located in Calvados, is a religious building whose origins date back to the twelfth century. It was partially rebuilt in the 14th or 15th century, with the addition of a seigneurial chapel for the Suhard family. The bell tower, perhaps dated from the sixteenth century, bears the coat of arms of the Bernières family. The building initially depended on the abbey of Lessay, while the abbey of Sainte-Marie de Longues had the patronage.

In the 19th century, the church underwent an almost total renovation in Romanesque style under the impetus of Viscount Henri de Toustain and the parish priest Pierre Palos, after 1848. The works include the demolition of the seigneurial chapel, the addition of a transept, and the reconstruction of the vaults of the choir. The interior decor is completely redone, except for the exterior bedside. The facade and nave are elongated, and a new sacristy was built in 1874-1876.

The only Romanesque elements preserved are the bell tower and the flat bedside of the choir. The bell tower is sometimes dated to the second half of the 16th century. Arcisse de Caumont, before 1830, describes a remarkable nave for its foothills and its modillon cornice, as well as crenellated fret windows, now partially clogged. The tympanum and other elements are inspired by regional buildings such as the church of Beaumais or the abbey of the Men of Caen.

The church was partially classified as a Historic Monument in 1927 (church and bell tower). Two old bells, dated 1592 and 1755, are mentioned by Caumont. The 19th century restoration also includes the replacement of furniture, with altars and lamps copied from supposed 12th century models. The project is partly funded by the Empress, and the works are led by the sculptor Pierre Hotin.

The site also retains external elements such as the doors and cross of the cemetery, a copy of a Romanesque cross of Grisy. The church thus illustrates an ambitious neo-Roman reconstruction, mixing medieval heritage and 19th century interventions.

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