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1482: Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, Évian-les-Bains,
France

Mystery Worshipper: Thannoise.The church: Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, Évian-les-Bains,
France.Denomination:Roman
Catholic; however, the service we attended was Anglican (Church
of England, Diocese in Europe) and held in the Lady Chapel.The building: The church dates from the 13th century and is in
the early Savoyard Gothic style, with extensive renovations occurring
during the 14th and 15th centuries. Further renovations were done in the
ensuing centuries, culminating in a major extension of the nave in 1926.
The exterior is rather sober despite an impressive tower and gives no
hint of the superbly decorated vaulted interior. The Chapel of the Rosary
is home to one ofthe treasures of the building: a 15th century bas-relief
of the Madonna with Child in gilt and polychrome wood. The choir stalls,
featuring carved images of the apostles and prophets, are a masterpiece
of flamboyant Gothic.The church: The fact that they permit an Anglican service indicates
their ecumenical spirit. Because of its location, the population of Évian
is a mixed international one that comes and goes with the skiing season
or the summer holidays, and the makeup of the congregation fluctuates
accordingly. The neighbourhood: Évian-les-Bains, beautifully situated
on the shore of Lake Geneva at the French-Swiss border, is a world famous
tourist attraction and spa. Its lakeside promenade, lined with trees and
lawns, has been fashionable since the 19th century. Once the haunt of
the very rich, the spa, promenade and casino today attract a broader range
of guests. In