Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes, La Rochelle

The official name is Église Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes de La Rochelle; a Roman Catholic Parish Church that trace its beginnings to 1077. This is quite a distinct landmark this part of La Rochelle which is about a ten minutes walk to the heart of the old city and the old harbour. It has a long and fascinating history (worth googling it). It's always seem to open every day and I just walked in on a Saturday afternoon and no one was inside but was greeted with the most heavenly music! It's a rather sombre experience and quite darkly lit but still enough subtle light to soak in the ambience of this historic church. Few highlights include the sixteen foot organ classed as romantic built in 1850 then completely rebuilt in mid 1960s. Also the Retable of the old chapel of the Jesuit congregation is fascinating discovery inside the church. Few significant paintings worth checking out like The Descent From The Cross and Adoration of The Magi, still hanging in the church. The belfry was built on what was once a fortified gate (La Porte de Cougnes) and was restored in 2007 and has three bells; Marie-Louise (1846), second one dates back to 1897 and the Immaculate Conception bell was recast in 1958. This is not just a historical landmark and monument but a spectacular place of worship to visit and reflect. Suitable for all ages and backgrounds. I absolutely adore this spectacular and special Church!

Nothing to do there