Shadow Dragon

Chapelle des Pelotes

October 2025 | France | Extant

A magnificent work of Gothic Revival architecture.

***

HISTORY: The site was originally a country estate, home to a chateau built upon an artificial island within a moat which was once owned by the Bishops of Bayeux. In 1838, the estate was acquired by a nearby Grand Séminaire, a college for priest training within the Roman Catholic Church. The new buildings were designed by an architect by the name of E. Le Forestier and built between 1838 and 1844.

The site’s immensely impressive Chapelle de Immaculée Conception, built in the Rayonnant Neo-Gothic style, was started in 1851, with its foundation stone being laid on the 29^th of June that year. The architect was Le Forestier once again, but he died before the foundation stone was laid and thus never got to see his masterpiece finished. The seminary’s superior continued the construction of the chapel, and it was consecrated on the 25^th of October, 1862. Construction continued through the 1880s and were then stopped in 1891. Evidence of the chapel’s unfinished elements are visible, with uncarved squared blocks of ashlar still waiting to be carved into beautiful capitals and motifs to this day.

In 1905 after the Separation of the Church and State, the seminary closed down. The site passed through many hands, becoming a military hospital for Belgian soldiers during the First World War and then again in the Second World War, this time for the invading Nazi forces. It became a home and the estate’s original chateau was demolished in the 1950s – the raised artificial island is still present. The site fell into dereliction in the 20^th century but looks to have a new lease of life soon, with the seminary buildings being converted into 67 flats. The whole site was given Monument Historique protection in October 2024, with the chapel protected in its entirety.

***

THE EXPLORE: I had arrived in France the night before quite late at night. I had found somewhere to sleep and very early the next morning I awoke, getting my camera bag sorted and ready. At 7am, I heard the church’s bells ringing out for the morning Angelus and then I began my exploration. I parked up and then headed towards the derelict seminary, the sky starting to lighten in the distance.

At first, I was disappointed and dismayed as every door was bolted tight. But eventually… I used my knowledge of churches and found an entrance into the structure. And despite the fact it was very dark inside, good grief I cannot tell you how spectacular the first sighting of its interior was. 13th century style soaring lancet arches, rib vaulted ceilings, beautifully carved alabaster statues… it was like a dream come true for me. Enjoy the photographs! You can find a small cinematic montage >here<.

***