Saint Vedast

Sunday 10.30 am

The church Saint Vedast of Rivière is one of the major works of classical 18th century art. Situated half-way up the hill in the centre of the village, its high tower looks out over the surrounding countryside, and its abside  can be seen as soon as the main street is approached.

Built between 1725 and 1750 under the authority of the Abbot of the Abbey of St. Vedast (a Benedictine abbey in Arras, a few miles away) this church  which looks like a small abbey-church has very pure lines. The sanctuary is lined with wood, carved with foliage in the pure 18th century style. The central altar painting  represents the Assumption of the Virgin. A retable (reredos) in the neo-classi style  decorates the back of the sanctuary. It is crowned with a baroque frontespiece with angels and a « God in Glory » appearing from the surrounding clouds.

The front of the main altar has a little known theme – that of the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi. In the nave there are beautiful furnishings – a suspended pulpit, Way of the Cross, baptismal font…

The surroundings of the church are charming, the village follows the river Crinchon, and is well-known for its numerous dove-cots, towers and  mansions.