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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Nicolas de Septfontaines, located in the Doubs department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, finds its origins in a Romanesque construction redesigned in the 15th century to adopt a Gothic style, marked by dogive vaults. The choir was modernized in 1731 to adapt to the tastes of the era, and a lateral chapel was added in 1748, bringing to five the number of chapels forming the lower side. The bell tower retains remains of the early Romanesque church, probably of the twelfth century.

Since 1838, the church has been home to Saint Victoire's shawl, translating from Rome, which was the object of an annual pilgrimage to the Second World War. The centenary of this cult in 1938 was marked by the inauguration of a cross path painted by Robert Fernier. Ranked a historic monument in 1926, the church is also distinguished by its exceptional furniture, including works by sculptor Augustin Fauconnet (master altar, pulpit to preach) protected as historical objects since 1979.

Among the remarkable elements, the bronze bell of 1694, melted by Alexis Jolly and native of Besançon, as well as the 18th century carved panels, illustrate the heritage richness of the place. The reliquary of Saint Victoire, exposed in the southern collateral, presents a wax-shaped body, dressed in an embroidered tunic and crowned with pearls, showing local devotional practices.

Linked to the parish of Levier (diocese of Besançon), the church embodies both a medieval architectural heritage and an active religious life, marked by baroque additions and popular traditions, such as the pilgrimage now gone. Its octagonal porch, vestibule and three bays arched in warheads are a characteristic example of the stylistic transformations of rural religious buildings between the Middle Ages and the modern era.

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