The Reformed Churches in France
In 1559, the Paris Synod organised the French Reformed Churches according to Jean Calvin’s guidelines.
Church organisation
Initially, Reformed Churches were not institutionalised, but as from 1555, throughout Kingdom of France, they progressively conformed to the pattern Calvin had organised in Geneva.
The reformed service of worship and the sacraments
The central part of the service of worship was the sermon, based on a text from the Bible. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper were celebrated during the service, the latter...
Salomon de Brosse (1571-1626)
Born in one of the most renowned families of architects of the 16th century, Salomon de Brosse was the famous architect of the Luxembourg Palace (nowadays housing the Senate) for...
Chaires
La chaire est élevée à un endroit du lieu de culte, d’où le pasteur puisse être vu et surtout entendu par l’ensemble des fidèles. Sa place dépend de la configuration...
Jacques I Androuët du Cerceau (before 1520-1585 or 1586)
The influence of his many publications on architects was immense. He refused to convert to Catholicism despite his attachment to the King of France.
Baptiste Androuët du Cerceau (c. 1540/1550-1590)
Baptiste Androuët du Cerceau was appointed architect to the royal buildings. He remained firmly attached to the Reformed Religion.
Jacques II Androuët du Cerceau (c. 1550/1560-1614)
Jacques II Androuët du Cerceau was present on construction sites launched by Henri IV towards the end of the 16th century. He is especially known as the architect of the...
Ligier Richier (about 1500-1567)
Ligier Richier was born in Lorraine at the beginning of the XVIth century – many well-known people gave him commissions. He became a convert to Protestantism and took refuge in...
Jean Goujon (about 1510-1567)
Originally from Normandy, the sculptor Jean Goujon was renowned for his works achieved in Paris, especially at the Louvre Palace. He took refuge in Italy where he died.
La Force (Dordogne)
The Dordogne valley was particularly favourable to Reformed trends. La Force was protected by the Duke of Caumont, a friend of Henri IV.
Mandajors (Gard)
Strategic stronghold of the war of the Camisards, the Castle of Mandajors was destroyed in 1703, but the chapel was left untouched during the reprisals and became a Protestant chapel.
Pontaix (Drôme)
As early as 1561, a reformed community existed in Pontaix. The roman chapel dating from the 12th to the 15th century, became a place of reformed worship.
Pontorson (Manche)
Once Normandy won over to the Reformation, it was to be a region with a dense Protestant population throughout the 16th century. The noble Huguenot family of Montgomery owned the...
Cardet (Gard)
Near Alès, the 17th century temple in Cardet was spared and became a Catholic church upon the Revocation.
Tables de communion
Les tables de communion sont installées dès le début du culte, pour le service de Sainte-Cène. On y dispose une ou deux coupes pour le vin, et un plat pour...
Tables de la Loi et versets bibliques
Des versets bibliques, voire même les Dix Commandements, sont souvent inscrits sur les murs intérieurs des temples et sur les frontons.
Orgues
De nombreux temples possèdent des orgues. C’est avant tout en Alsace, où la dynastie des Silbermann a construit au XVIIIe siècle près de 90 instruments «classiques». En dehors de l’Alsace,...
Cloches
Utilisées dans les églises chrétiennes dès la fin du VIe siècle, les cloches de grand volume apparaissent au XIIe siècle, essentiellement dans les cathédrales. Les temples protestants sont généralement pourvus...