ROOD-LOFT OF NOTRE-DAME DE L'ÉPINE
The south doorway is flanked by two turrets, each containing a stairway. All the statues which ornamented the curve of the arch, the jambs and the pier are missing. On the much-damaged lintel is a representation of the life of Saint John the Baptist. The doorway is dominated by a beautiful window. The chapels round the apse were added in the sixteenth century.
The interior of Notre-Dame de l'Épine, which has been completely restored, is very interesting. The most striking parts are the transept and the choir. In the north arm of the transept, visible in the photo opposite, the Renaissance woodwork of the organ is noteworthy. In the sculptured figures with which it is decorated, Greek divinities, Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, etc., are side by side with the apostles.
A well, with fine wrought-iron fittings, seen in the photograph, dates from the origin of the edifice. It is the Virgin's Well, from which pilgrims drink and carry away the water.
The curious rood-loft at the entrance to the choir shelters the miraculous statue. One obtains access from the choir to the rood-loft by two spiral stairways. It was from the upper gallery that in former times the epistle and gospel for the day were read. The name of "Jubé" is derived from the formula by which the reader previously besought the blessing of heaven: "Jubé, Domine, benedicere."
The Virgin is in a modern gilded shrine, which may be seen under the first arch in the photograph at the foot of p. [211]. The statue has been restored in modern times. The choir is surrounded by a stone cloister whose style varies from Gothic to Renaissance.
On the left side of this cloister is a beautiful Gothic edifice which contained sacred relics. It may be seen in the photograph below.
Five chapels adorn the apse. The first on the right, shut off by a stone balustrade, is used as a sacristy; the next one contains a sixteenth century stone carving representing the Entombment.
After visiting Notre-Dame de l'Épine, return to Châlons by N. 3, the road along which we came.