Sparkling with its nineteen glass roofs, the Saint-Hélier Church sparkles in an admirable symphony of colors. Created by François Décorchemont, master glassmaker from Conches, the glass roofs, translucent like alabaster, arouse the curiosity of hundreds of visitors each year.

Loïc Lagarde

The stained glass windows offer a color mosaic. Mixtures of blues and reds, mauves and pinks, or even green and yellow, they offer the church unique and sparkling lights. Through these windows, discover the patron saints of the church: Saint-Pierre (the fisher of men), Saint-Hélier (the patron saint of the parish), Saint-Louis (King of France), Saint Jeanne d' Arc, Father Foucauld (apostle of the Tuaregs), Saint Geneviève, Saint Anselme and even Saint Paul. These 19 glass roofs make the church famous.

In 1930, he developed a unique technique: white crystal (and not the glass) is melted in the oven and colored in the mass ; cooled, it is reduced to powder to provide the base pigments; the part to be obtained is first molded, and the mold filled with powders mixed with the desired color, then placed in the oven. The room is then hollow carved, still warm, then slowly cooled to give it marbled reflections. Assembly is done at ciment (and not lead), without external contributions.

The light plays on the hollows and solids of the crystal, which emphasize the design, as through the facets of a precious stone...

Opening hours

Saint-Hélier Church is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.

Loïc Lagarde

Bursts of color

Stones and vaults colored by the reflections of the glass roofs

If you want to discover the whole history and works of François Décorchemont, museum is dedicated to him in Conches en Ouches.

Watch the video (duration 3min)

Beuzeville, a lively town

The meeting of know-how_Beuzeville_May 8, 2024

Demonstrations and events in Beuzeville

By its library, his associations and its cultural center La Cidrerie , Beuzeville offers you a rich cultural program, events, exhibitions and activities throughout the year, for the whole family.

See the demonstrations in Beuzeville

Audio guides, to go further

The Beuzeville Welcome Office offers audio guides for rental to learn even more about the history of the stained glass windows of the Saint-Hélier church. Available in French only.

 

I reserve my audio guide

Was this content useful to you?