Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, Taverny

Notre-Dame Church is a Catholic church located in Taverny, France. Built in a single long campaign under Mathieu II de Montmorency and his son Bouchard between 1200 and 1240, it is distinguished by the homogeneity of its structure, the elegance of its Gothic architecture and the importance of the glass surfaces. The three-story elevation with large arcades, triforium and high windows is that of the largest churches of the time and displays the ambitions of the local lords. The vessels are wider and also higher than usual. Also, the decoration is very careful and the sculpture is generally of a high quality, and it is far from the austerity that prevails in many contemporary churches. Unlike the majority of churches in the region, Notre-Dame has never undergone any alterations affecting its physiognomy or its plan. However, modifications were made during the flamboyant period, at the end of the 15th century, and to a lesser extent during the Renaissance. The high windows of the nave and transept were largely redone, and a large chevet altarpiece donated by Anne de Montmorency was installed in the apse. The repairs of the eighteenth century and the restorations of the second half of the nineteenth century caused the building to lose some of its authenticity, but it was just saved from ruin following its classification as a historical monument in 1846. The restoration was started by Maurice Ouradou, and continued by Alphonse Simil, and gave back its splendor to the church, which all authors consider to be a major monument of the Gothic style in Île-de-France. The church of Notre-Dame is today one of the two parish churches of Taverny, and a mass is celebrated there every Sunday morning, but the center of parish life has moved to the church of Notre-Dame-des-Champs in the lower town.