Vue intérieure de cette église
1 / 10

Saint-Nicolas Church Beaune

4.3
·105 reviews·Beaune, France

A 13th-century Romanesque church in Beaune, known for its 15th-century bell tower and unique chimera-decorated porch.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Vue intérieure de cette église

Saint-Nicolas Church Beaune

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 13th-century Romanesque church in Beaune, known for its 15th-century bell tower and unique chimera-decorated porch.

4.3
(105 reviews)

"A very historical place with a very good view and a nice romantic little chapel."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Woes

Parking is tough! Use public lots and walk a bit. :parking:

🎶 Concert Venue

Check for concerts; they're often superb! :musical_score:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

15th-Century Bell Tower

15th-Century Bell Tower

Exterior

Admire the distinctive tuff spire of the bell tower, a testament to 15th-century craftsmanship.

Chimeras on the Porch

Chimeras on the Porch

Entrance Porch

Discover the intriguing chimeras adorning the church's porch, adding a touch of medieval mystique.

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Entire Church

Experience the beauty of this 13th-century Romanesque building, a significant historical monument.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

Beaune's Saint-Nicolas Church is a historical gem, but can get busy. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to experience its serene beauty without the peak tourist rush. Weekends and holidays tend to see higher visitor numbers.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking near Saint-Nicolas Church can be challenging due to its central location and limited spaces. Travelers suggest using public parking lots in Beaune and walking a short distance. The church is a historical monument, so accessibility may vary.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🧐🍷 Lors de la restauration de l’église Saint-Nicolas à Bordeaux, le chef de chantier a fait une belle découverte en retirant une pierre de la façade marquée d’une croix : une bouteille de vin et un papier signé du 15 mars 1967, date de la dernière rénovation réalisée par les Compagnons du devoir. Une tradition qu’ils comptent bien perpétrer.
@journalsudouest
58.9K likes • 847.5K views

🚗 Parking Woes

Parking is tough! Use public lots and walk a bit. :parking: Reddit

🎶 Concert Venue

Check for concerts; they're often superb! :musical_score: Reddit

#evalongoria #beaune #globalgiftgala #dominicwest #zaboubreitman #jeanreno #bourgogne #hospicesdebeaune #sothebys #mariarbravo #jdfpictures @Eva Longoria @GlobalGiftFoundation
@jdfpictures
31.4K likes • 315.1K views
📍 Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church 🧜🏻‍♀️ This was such a “the world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper” moment for me. I wouldn’t have been at this church for so long if I wasn’t looking for the elusive mermaid carvings @tuathaireland mentioned. Then I would have missed this beautiful & ethereal choir celebrating Ireland with some of my favorite tunes! Lo...
heather.wildflower
1.5K likes • 15.8K views

🕰️ Historical Significance

Learn about its 13th-century Romanesque roots and later renovations. :scroll: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beaune

Combine your visit with exploring the charming town of Beaune. :cityscape: TikTok

Which of these spooky spots have you already ticked off? Save for travel inspo 🖤 Amsterdam - Museum Tot Zover - Beth haim Cemetery - Cemetery Nieuwe Ooster - Basilica of Saint Nicholas - Church of Our Lady - Museum Vrolik - Krijtberg Church - St olof’s chapel song by @mouth.ulcers , check them out🥀🖤 • • • • • • • #travel #goth #gothtravel #darkaesthetic #cemetery #church #cathedral #gothgirl #...
chermetery
2.3K likes • 20.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Woes

Parking is tough! Use public lots and walk a bit. :parking: Reddit

🎶 Concert Venue

Check for concerts; they're often superb! :musical_score: Reddit

🕰️ Historical Significance

Learn about its 13th-century Romanesque roots and later renovations. :scroll: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beaune

Combine your visit with exploring the charming town of Beaune. :cityscape: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(105 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Saint-Nicolas Church in Beaune to be a beautiful, historical Romanesque building with notable architectural features like its 15th-century bell tower and chimera-adorned porch. It's appreciated for its historical significance and as a serene spot, though parking can be a significant challenge for visitors.

"Eglise Saint Nicolas / Beaune
This is an old roman church, of XV century, dedicated to Sant Nicolas, patron of the children and perhaps also of the good grapes of Bourgogne.; a nice romantic little chapel.this a very historical place very good view. Edit Location
The church is located in the department of Côte-d'Or, in the municipality of Beaune.
History Edit

The church was built outside the ramparts in the twelfth century. It was reworked in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

A priest of Saint-Nicolas, the abbot Victor Chocarne (1824-1881) was the instigator of the "pilgrimage of the banners", first pilgrimage of national scale in Lourdes in 1872.

Description Change

architecture Edit
This section is empty, insufficiently detailed or incomplete. Your help is welcome ! How to do ?
Edit interior
This section is empty, insufficiently detailed or incomplete. Your help is welcome ! How to do ?"

Sheeraz Ali KHAN

"GOD BEST"

Waidy So

"Church of Saint-Nicolas
The Church of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bon is a very beautiful Romanesque building from the 13th century, listed as a historical monument. It was built outside the fortress walls. Representing a fairly homogeneous architectural ensemble, it was partially rebuilt in the 14th and then in the 15th centuries.
The Church of Saint-Nicolas in Beaune is particularly famous for its porch decorated with chimeras, as well as its bell tower with a 15th-century tuff spire."

ivan

What People Like

Historical Romanesque architecture
Distinctive bell tower
Intriguing porch chimeras

What People Dislike

Difficult parking situation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Saint-Nicolas Church is located in the heart of Beaune, Côte-d'Or. It's easily accessible by foot if you're already in the town center. For those arriving by car, be aware that parking can be difficult. It's recommended to use one of Beaune's public parking lots and walk the short distance to the church. Reddit

Yes, the church is a prominent landmark within Beaune. Its historical significance makes it a key point of interest in the town. Reddit

Beaune is well-connected by train, with regular services from major French cities. If driving, it's located near the A6 motorway. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Saint-Nicolas Church is generally free, as it is a historical monument and active place of worship. However, special events or concerts may require tickets. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially outside of peak tourist season. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Yes, you can appreciate the exterior architecture and a brief interior visit in about 30-60 minutes, depending on your interest. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

While the exterior boasts a notable bell tower and porch with chimeras, the interior offers a glimpse into Romanesque architecture. Look for details that reflect its 13th-century origins and later modifications. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted inside churches for personal use, but it's always best to be respectful of worshippers and any posted signage. Avoid flash photography. Instagram

The church is known for its 15th-century bell tower with a tuff spire and its porch decorated with chimeras, offering a unique visual experience. Reddit

Absolutely. Built outside the ramparts in the 12th century and reworked in the 14th and 15th centuries, it's a significant historical site. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Beaune is a culinary hub with numerous restaurants, bistros, and wine bars located within easy walking distance of the church. You'll find options ranging from traditional Burgundian cuisine to international flavors. TikTok

Definitely! Beaune is famous for its Burgundy wines and regional dishes like escargots and boeuf bourguignon. Many eateries around the church will offer these. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the striking 15th-century bell tower from various angles. The chimeras on the porch also make for interesting close-up shots. The surrounding streets offer charming perspectives of the church. Instagram

Natural light can be limited inside older churches. Consider visiting during daylight hours when stained-glass windows might offer some illumination, or be prepared for lower light conditions. Instagram

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the textures of the stone architecture. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds and softer light. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saint-Nicolas Church in Beaune offers a glimpse into history that can be engaging for families. While the church itself is a historical monument, the stories behind its architecture, like the chimeras on the porch, can spark children's imaginations. Reddit

Consider making it a short visit to keep younger ones interested. The surrounding town of Beaune offers more interactive experiences, such as exploring the Hospices de Beaune, which might be more captivating for children. Parking can be a challenge, so planning ahead with a stroller or carrier is advisable. Reddit

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

As a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and, by association, good grapes in Burgundy, this church holds a special place for wine lovers. Reddit Its location in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, makes it a perfect stop during a wine-focused itinerary. TikTok

After visiting the church, immerse yourself in the local wine culture. Beaune is renowned for its wine cellars and tasting rooms. Consider visiting the nearby Hospices de Beaune, which also produces its own wine, or explore the many 'caveaux' for a true Burgundian wine experience. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Church of Saint-Nicolas in Beaune is a significant historical monument, with roots tracing back to the 12th century when it was built outside the town's ramparts. Its Romanesque origins are evident, though it underwent substantial reworking in the 14th and 15th centuries, reflecting evolving architectural styles and needs. This layered history makes it a fascinating site for anyone interested in medieval architecture and urban development. Reddit

One notable figure associated with Saint-Nicolas is Abbot Victor Chocarne (1824-1881), who was instrumental in organizing the 'pilgrimage of the banners' in Lourdes in 1872, marking one of the first national-scale pilgrimages. This connection highlights the church's role within broader religious and social movements of its time. Reddit

The church's architectural evolution is particularly visible in its exterior features. The 15th-century bell tower, topped with a distinctive tuff spire, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of that era. The porch, adorned with intriguing chimeras, adds a unique decorative element that sparks curiosity and imagination. Reddit

Architectural Highlights

Saint-Nicolas Church in Beaune is celebrated for its distinct architectural features that blend Romanesque foundations with later Gothic influences. The building's homogeneous architectural ensemble, despite its multiple construction phases, is a testament to careful design and execution. Reddit

The bell tower is a standout element, dating from the 15th century and characterized by its tuff spire, a material and style that gives it a unique appearance. Equally captivating is the porch, which is notably decorated with chimeras. These mythical creatures, often found in medieval architecture, add an element of fantasy and intrigue to the church's entrance. Reddit

While the exterior often garners the most attention, the interior of Saint-Nicolas Church also reflects its historical journey. Visitors can appreciate the spatial layout and the surviving elements that speak to its Romanesque and subsequent Gothic periods. Exploring these details offers a deeper understanding of the church's architectural narrative. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2