Have you noticed the charming mix of architectural styles before you? This is the \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9 de la Vierge et Saint-Fiacre. It stands as a testament to centuries of faith and artistry.
Welcome to the \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9 de la Vierge et Saint-Fiacre. This church’s story begins in the 12th century. It reflects the changing tides of French history.
Back then Livilliers depended on the parish of Saint-Pierre de G\u00e9nicourt. Villagers used a local chapel. In 1150 Raoul Vallez gave Livilliers chapel to the Saint-Martin abbey of Pontoise. The chapel became a parish church. This happened in 1163 or 1175 depending on who you believe. It gained the name Nativit\u00e9 de Marie. Saint Fiacre of Meaux became its secondary patron. He was the patron saint of gardeners. Gardening was important in Livilliers.
Construction of the \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9 de la Vierge et Saint-Fiacre started shortly after. The builders incorporated the pre-existing Romanesque bell tower. Despite its modest size this church took inspiration from Notre-Dame de Paris. It has a three-level elevation for the nave.
Look closely. You will spot the faux triforium above the large arches. This is the smallest church in the region. But it boasts this architectural feature. The choir ends with a flat chevet. It has a two-lancet window similar to the triforium arches.
The bell tower received its own makeover in the late 17th century. The belfry was rebuilt. Chapels flank the tower base. Doubts surround the original vaulting of the nave’s aisles. These vaults may have been incomplete or collapsed. They have been missing for centuries.
In the 16th century master mason Garnot Gerbault reconstructed the north aisle. He added ogive vaults. He built a porch before the side portal. This Renaissance porch is the most accomplished of its kind. It is in the French Vexin. It made the \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9 de la Vierge et Saint-Fiacre famous.
Early on the Gothic parts suffered structural issues. The builders did not include flying buttresses. Locals tried to keep the structure stable. Problems worsened. The church closed due to safety concerns.
The \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9 de la Vierge et Saint-Fiacre is now a historical monument. This allows the town to apply for state funding. Restorations occurred between 2017 and 2019. The church reopened. But regular services have not resumed.
The church is oriented irregularly. The chevet deviates to the southeast. The nave does not align with the tower. The plan is simple and symmetrical. It is based on the basilica. There is no true transept.
Inside note the nave’s three levels. The central vessel contains ogive vaults. Chapels are on each side. The tower base and choir complete the structure. The nave reaches the highest point.
Facing the church you will notice the main entrance. It is slightly off-center. The entrance is under a discharge arch with an oculus. Pairs of small columns rise to the second-level capitals. A passageway connects the tower to the north side.
The \u00c9glise de la Nativit\u00e9 de la Vierge et Saint-Fiacre stands as a symbol of perseverance. It has survived wars neglect and structural failures. It has been reborn. It is ready to welcome visitors for generations.