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Origin and history

Our Lady of Izel-Vor Church, also known as Our Lady of Basse-Mer, is the parish church of La Forêt-Fouesnant, in the Finistère. Built mainly in the 16th century, it illustrates the Gothic style typical of Cornwall. The dates of 1538 (porch) and 1628 (baptistère) are engraved on its walls, reflecting its architectural evolution. Its furniture, including baptismal fonts, retable and polychrome statues, dates mainly from the seventeenth century.

The 15th-century calvary, used as an open-air pulpit, suggests a once wider parvis. Ranked a historic monument in 1914, the church benefited from major restorations completed in 2022. Among his treasures are a statue of the nursing Virgin (late 17th century) and procession banners dedicated to local saints such as Saint Anne or Saint Guénolé.

The interior is distinguished by its cylindrical columns without capitals, supporting vaults with veins. The apse, illuminated by a large window, and the covered porch in front of the western facade complete this architectural ensemble. The site is managed by the municipality and remains a place of worship and active heritage.

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