Album Bourgogne-Franche-Comté from Martin M. Miles

Pont sur Yonne - Notre-Dame

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:06:40 +0000

In 754, the place was called "Pons Icauna" referring to the settlement at a (wooden) bridge over the Yonne River. A stone bridge existed in 1175, it got reconstructed in the 17th century and destroyed during the Second World War. Only three arches remain

Notre-Dame Church is one of the first Gothic churches in France. It was built at the same time as Sens Cathedral (15km south) and to whose chapter it falls.
Construction began between 1130 and 1140. The church was consecrated to the Virgin Mary in 1169 by William of Champagne, Archbishop of Sens.

The nave

Pont sur Yonne - Notre-Dame

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:48:40 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens - Maison d'Abraham

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:59:44 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The Maison d'Abraham is a 16th century Renaissance-style building and an example of timber-framed architecture. It is adorned at one corner by a sculpted column into which the Tree of Jesse is carved, depicting the Virgin Mary and the eight kings of Israel.

Sens - Hotel de Ville

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:06:31 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens impressive Town Hall was inaugurated in 1904.

Sens - Halles (PiP)

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:36:15 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The market hall in Sens, opened in 1882, is a wonderful example of the 19th century cast-iron architecture. It is a landmark just like the cathedral on the opposite side of the Place de la République.

Sens - Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 20:13:32 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 19:54:47 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Many carvings are Romanesque, this one is younger. Opposite of the vain mermaid (previous upload) poses this merman with sword and shield.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 18:16:54 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Many carvings are Romanesque, this one is younger. A mermaid equipped with the symbols of vanity: a comb and a mirror.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:51:40 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:07:10 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Some of the stained glass windows of the cathedrals were created within the early 13th century. Told here are different, but interconnected "stories", making it a little complex.

The top center depicts Jerusalem.

The three diamond shapes in the center depict the "Parable of the Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:29–37). Around the top diamond are Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden. Around the diamond in the center are four scenes from the life of Moses. Below, around the third diamond "Jesus being condemned by Pilate", the "Flagellation", the "Crucifixion of Jesus" and the "Myrrhbearers" / "The Three Marys at the Tomb".

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 11:25:21 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Some of the stained glass windows of the cathedrals were created within the early 13th century. Depicted here is the "Parable of the Prodigal Son" (aka "Parable of the Lost Son") - Luke 15:11-32. The parable starts in the low right corner.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:22:02 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Some of the stained glass windows of the cathedrals were created within the early 13th century. Depicted here is the legend of Saint Eustace, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:29:20 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

A statue commemorating Thomas Becket (aka "Saint Thomas of Canterbury", who lived here, after he had fled from England.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 21:16:56 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

This was the start of the Gothic architecture, but - not surprising - many capitals are still Romanesque. Here are frightening winged creatures of hell, devouring poor souls - and a smiling cow in the left upper corner.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:49:47 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

This was the start of the Gothic architecture, but - not surprising - many capitals are still Romanesque.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:54:45 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Thousands of names and dates are scratched into the pillars.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:26:49 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. The nave got remodeled as well over the time. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. On 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:02:22 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. The nave seen here got of course remodeled as well over the time. When Pope Alexander III consecrated the cathedral in 1164 it may not have been fully completed. Here on 27 May 1234 Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") married Marguerite de Provence, who was 13 years old at that time.

The cathedral is about 113 meters long.
The nave is more than 24 meters high.

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:00:16 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. By then the early Gothic style had developed, so parts of the facade got remodeled end of the 13th century.

The main portal of the facade, maybe a little younger than the western one but in the main parts created before the southern tower collapsed.

I found the two sides most interesting, though they are pretty weathered.

The upper tier has "arts" - dialectic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry etc. The lower tier has "nature" including some strange, exotic animals.

Is the man wrestling or dancing with the bear?

Sens - Cathedral

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 13:37:14 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Sens was an important place in medieval times. Upto the 11th century the Archbishop of Sens hold the title "Primate of the Gauls and Germania". Thomas Becket lived in Sens for some time, when he was forced to leave England. Here Thomas met Pope Pope Alexander III. In 1141 Bishop Henri Sanglier here caused the condemnation of Peter Abelard.
Bishop Henri Sanglier was well connected to the leading political figures. He and Abbot Suger de Saint-Denis were close friends - and had similar architectural ideas. Abbot Suger decided around 1137 to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis. Bishop Henri started the construction of this cathedral around 1140.

It is still discussed, which church is older, as this would be the oldest early Gothic church in France. While in Saint Denis (130kms northwest) the building process came to an halt for some time, the choir of the cathedral in Sens was completed already in 1168.

It is sure, as Suger´s church in Saint Denis was an abbey church, the "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens" is the oldest Gothic cathedral in France.

Of course, there were many alterations done later. After the southern tower of the western facade collapsed in 1267 it got rebuilt within the next decades. By then the early Gothic style had developed, so parts of the facade got remodeled end of the 13th century.

The main portal of the facade, maybe a little younger than the western one but in the main parts created before the southern tower collapsed.

I found the two sides most interesting, though they are pretty weathered.

The upper tier has "arts" - dialectic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry etc. The lower tier has "nature" including some strange, exotic animals.

Another, very rare species of mermaids?

A lady (?) holding a mirror (?) riding a fish (or dolphin?). I remember a very similar carving in Andlau (Alsace).