Cathedral Notre-Dame du Puy - Grasse

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy de Grasse was originally built by monks from Cluny around 1150 in Romanesque style with Gothic and Baroque additions.

Since 1244 it has been the seat of the Bishops of Grasse. The name “Notre-Dame-du-Puy” does not refer to the hill in Grasse itself, but to the sanctuary of Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne — a famous place of pilgrimage.

The cathedral has a Romanesque structure with thick walls, small windows and later added Gothic arches. The church has a freestanding bell tower – something typically Provencal.

Inside, it is more austere than many cathedrals – intimate rather than imposing. The cathedral houses three paintings by Rubens , which is unusual for a church outside Belgium or Italy, including “L'Adoration des Bergers” – (The Adoration of the Shepherds), and “Le Lavement des Pieds” (The Washing of the Feet).

Other sights include a painting by Fragonard – possibly by Jean-Honoré Fragonard , the famous painter born in Grasse, a large 17th century Baroque altar and the organ from 1855, built by the famous organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

Willem Vandenameele