Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Laurent church of Cambo-les-Bains, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, dates from the first half of the 17th century. It replaces a 12th century church and illustrates the architectural style typical of the Basque churches of Labourd, with a unique nave, a polygonal bedside and three floors of carved wooden stands, formerly reserved for men. Its octagonal bell tower, topped by a high arrow, was added at the end of the 19th century, replacing an initial triangular bell tower. The entrance porch, located under an old room of the jurats, houses a Pietà and a statue of Saint Leo of the eighteenth century, offered according to tradition by Queen Marie-Anne of Neubourg, exiled to Bayonne in 1708.

The Baroque altarpiece, a major work by Jean-Baptiste Dartiguecave (1651-1741), dominates the elevated choir paved with mosaics. It features twisted columns that frame the Martyr of St. Lawrence (17th century), inspired by Eustache Lesueur, as well as sculptures of pampres, fruits and angels worshiping the Cross. The painted decoration of the vaults (1904) includes a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit and Florentine ceramics offered by Edmond Rostand for the first communion of his son John in 1906. The stained glass windows, including two of Gustave Dagran (1868) representing Saint Michel Garioïts and Saint Thérèse of Avila, were restored in 2019, like the entire building between 2017 and 2019.

The church's remarkable acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts, including Basque choirs. Ranked a historical monument in 2012, it now depends on the parish of Saint Michel Garioits in the diocese of Bayonne. Its furniture, such as stands reserved for men until the 1960s, bears witness to local social traditions, while its altarpiece and works of art reflect the influence of regional sponsors and artists.

External links