Eglise Sainte-Madeleine

Of all the churches in Troyes, Sainte-Madeleine is perhaps the oldest and certainly one of the most beautiful.

Mentioned in 1157, its construction dates back to 1120, but it was rebuilt around 1200 in the Gothic style just emerging in France.

Its apse and choir were renovated again around 1500, in the flamboyant Gothic style of the period. Its Renaissance-style square tower dates from 1525, as does the richly sculpted gateway to the former cemetery to the right of the entrance (now the Jardin des Innocents). The church's main portal was rebuilt in the 17th c. and the nave restored in the 19th c.

Sainte-Madeleine is remarkable for its famous rood screen and the stained glass windows in its chevet, masterpieces of exceptional finesse that visitors can admire at a glance. Only a handful of religious buildings in France have preserved a rood screen, a stone platform erected between the nave and the choir to carry a choir and/or officiants addressing the faithful.
Around 1503, the clergy of Sainte-Madeleine called on local craftsmen to replace the old wooden rood screen. At the same time, the chapter of Troyes cathedral was looking for an architect to build its portal.
Jean Gailde, who had helped build the choir at Sainte-Madeleine, was turned down for the cathedral, but was chosen here. It is said that he wanted to avenge his eviction by the canons by surpassing himself in creating the stone lacework that can be seen today. Both designer and sculptor, he was buried beneath his masterpiece. Originally polychrome, the rood screen was whitewashed in the 18th century, as were all the church walls.

The church's choir features superb examples of early Renaissance stained glass from the Trojan School, characterized by bold design, vivid colors and technical refinement. See the beautiful Arbre de Jessé (early 16th c.), La Genèse, or Les perles de saint Éloi, showing the work of a goldsmith's workshop, stained glass created in 1506 by Nicolas Cordonnier for this guild.

Audioguides available at Ste Madeleine
Audioguides offer visitors a new way to tour the church of Sainte-Madeleine.
For 20 minutes, with a choice of 4 languages to listen to the 13 recorded commentaries, visitors can discover Troyes' oldest church at their own pace.

Audioguides available from the church entrance.
Church opening times
- High season (April 1 to October 31)
Monday to Saturday: 9:30am-12:30pm / 2pm-6pm
Sundays, 2pm-6pm
- Low season (November 1 to March 31)
Monday to Saturday, 9:30am-12:30pm / 2pm-5pm
Sundays: 2pm to 5pm

Enjoy your visit!

Last updated on 16/11/2023 - Troyes La Champagne Tourisme