Saint John the Baptist
Rue Saint-Jean
52000 Chaumont
Basilica | XIII-XVI | Gothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 April - 31 October
Mon 10.00 - 18.00
Tue 10.00 - 18.00
Wed 10.00 - 18.00
Thu 10.00 - 18.00
Fri 10.00 - 18.00
Sat 10.00 - 18.00
Sun 10.00 - 18.00
01 November - 31 March
Mon 10.00 - 17.00
Tue 10.00 - 17.00
Wed 10.00 - 17.00
Thu 10.00 - 17.00
Fri 10.00 - 17.00
Sat 10.00 - 17.00
Sun 10.00 - 17.00
Description
Walking through the basilica from the entrance to the altar allows you to cross the ages: the journey begins with the sober decoration of the 13th century; it continues in the 16th century with the vaults and chapels decorated in the style of Notre-Dame de Paris. Finally, the Sainte-Marguerite chapel, built in the second half of the 19th century, houses many relics.
Among the most beautiful works of art in the basilica, the 14th century Jesse tree presents on its branches the family history of Christ. Under the north bell tower, a fully painted space features the 16th century tomb of Jesus, surrounded by ten life-size carved figures.
Since February 1475, the basilica has been hosting the pilgrimage of the Grand Pardon de Chaumont. Any faithful person who visits the Collegiate Church of Chaumont on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day falling on a Sunday is granted a total indulgence.
Currently, the Innovatis Basilica association is working to renovate the basilica in order to welcome the next Grand Pardon, which will take place in 2029.
Photos
Remarkable elements
The tree of Jesse
This 16th-century high relief depicts the genealogy of Christ descended from Jesse, father of King David. Jesse is recognisable, asleep on a throne, the tree rising from his back to the Virgin and Child.
This family is made up of the kings of Judea, the most famous of whom is David, identifiable by his harp and the head of Goliath.
Painting ‘Salome receiving the head of Saint John the Baptist
Dated 1525, this copy after Solario is the oldest work in the basilica.
This scene takes place after Salome's dance before King Herod and his guests. Charmed by the young woman, the king promises her whatever she desires. On her mother's advice, she asks for the head of Saint John the Baptist on a platter.
The Sepulchre
The chapel of the d'Amboise family, bailiffs of Chaumont, houses an exceptional 15th-century work. It depicts the burial of Christ at the moment of the anointing. The originality of the scene also lies in the number of figures: two rows surround the tomb, as opposed to the usual single row. Finally, the finesse of the workmanship can be seen in the tears of Mary Magdalene, at the Virgin's side, and in the richness of the clothes.
Works by Jean-Baptiste Bouchardon
A famous sculptor in eastern France in the late 17th and first half of the 18th centuries, Bouchardon created the former high altar for the basilica in 1700, which can now be seen in the Rosary Chapel, as well as the pulpit and the pew reserved for the parish dignitaries. Other wooden statues in the building are also attributed to him.
Christ in the links
Also known as the ‘Christ of Pity’, this depiction of the suffering Christ awaiting his torture after scourging appeared in the 14th century in the northern provinces. There are still several in this region and in eastern France. This iconography contrasts with the medieval image of Christ triumphant. Here, the polychrome wooden statue is accompanied by a painting of the instruments of the Passion.
Great organ
This majestic organ is a Cavaillé-Coll built in 1872 to extend the Louis XV-style case dating from 1768.
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