Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assumption of Neuville-sur-Saône comes from the initiative of Camille de Neufville de Villeroy, Abbé Commondataire and Archbishop of Lyon. In 1630 he acquired a property in Vimy (formerly Neuville-sur-Saône) and decided to replace the modest local church with a larger building. The work began in 1677, with the laying of the first stone on 3 July 1678. The church is consecrated on September 8, 1681, the day of the Nativity of the Virgin, and dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. In thanks, the parishioners renamed their village Neuville-l'Archêque, which became Neuville-sur-Saône after the Revolution.

The façade, initially unfinished, was completely re-established in 1894 by the architect Chaumel in a different style, partially altering the original harmony. The building underwent major restorations in the 20th century: in 1962 by Curtelin, then in 1981 for the facade. Between 2007 and 2011, the roof and exterior walls were renovated, giving the church its original brilliance. Its architecture combines a unique nave flanked by side chapels and two bell towers inspired by the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon, built in Couzon gold stones.

The interior houses an exceptional baroque decor, among the best preserved in the Lyon region. The choir, occupying almost half of the building, is decorated with woodwork carved in the 18th century by Michel Perrache, his son Antoine-Michel, and Jean-Antoine Morand. Stalls (classified in 1904), avant-chœur paintings and sculptures (classified in 1982) bear witness to this heritage. The organ, native to the convent of the Cordeliers of Lyon, preserves games from the 17th and 18th centuries. The stained glass windows, destroyed and restored twice (1933 and post-1944), illustrate Marian episodes.

The church embodies both the religious heritage of Lyon and the architectural transformations associated with the times. Its history reflects the influence of the archbishops of Lyon, such as Camille de Neuville, as well as local crafts, with artists such as the Perrache or Morand. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a rare testimony of pre-revolutionary baroque art in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

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