France is historically a Catholic country. A fact hard to miss when visiting here as one walks past the many churches, cathedrals and learns of it’s many Catholic royals. Changes occurred after the French Revolution when freedom of religions was allowed. A stark separation between the church and the state was created in 1905, setting a precedence which presides today. Towards the middle of the 20th century, numbers of church goers started to decline. Reversing trends, in the past couple of years, France saw double the growth than prior years in Catholic adult baptisms.
Christianity came to France in the 1st century with the Romans. Old Roman temples turned to Roman churches. The Clovis I, the first French King to become Christian, ruled over and united much of what we consider France today. The Aquitaine region of France is home to Pope Clement V, famous for moving the Vatican from Rome to Avignon. Henri IV, the only Protestant King to rule France, has many homes and history in SW France. Bordeaux has many churches, monasteries, convents and of course the Cathedral Saint Andre which are worth visiting. The city uncovers centuries old cemeteries and sarcophagi often, with many artifacts finding their way into the Musee d’Aquitaine.
Whether one is Christian or not, the creation of the state of France was undoubtedly molded through the church. To understand and appreciate our country, it is necessary to understand the rules and role of the church in society historically. Friday school lunches continue to be either fish or simply ‘meatless’, as Friday meals have been for nearly two thousand years. At the same time city halls are forbidden to put out a ‘creche’ or manger scene for Christmas. There are many nuances to the secular rule in France. While half of the country considers themselves agnostic, many in that same group would still have been baptized or hold a marriage in the church. The modern role of the church being ‘tradition’ rather than ‘religion’ in the historic sense.
Most come to Bordeaux for the wine, which has been an integral part of the church for centuries. Wine used in mass is as natural as possible and can come from many parts of France. Wine styles in service can be red, white, sweet or dry. The bottles used for this religious purpose will often be marked so on the label. Thus, learning the production of wine and how it has changed since the Roman era in Bordeaux, can be included in your visit. From a simple visit with tastings to more elaborate tours. Pape Clement V created his chateau just outside of the city of Bordeaux in AOC Pessac Leognan. This is still possible to visit and to taste their incredible red and whites.
The bread, or host, used in mass are produced by nuns in multiple locations in France. One of the largest host bread producers is the Marne, Northern part of France. Again, simple (flour and water) and using only the most pure forms. Bread has been an important staple in Europe for millennia, with some small artisanal grain to oven producers here in Gironde to visit. You can even partake in a levin bread workshop in the countryside if that is of interest.
There are many pastries accredited to nuns in the region, but there are also plenty of dishes with Christian origins. If you have tried a bûche de Noël or galette des rois, you have tried special pastries for different Christian holidays during the year*. Most all Christian cultures historically practiced lent (fasting) before Easter and still eat lamb this time of year. Today, as yesterday, many monasteries and convents produce anything from jams to cheese, mustard to biscuits.
Want to create a tour in SW France for your church or interested in a tour focused on Christianity?
Before Bordeaux became famous to visit for the vineyards, we had religious tourism for hundreds of years. Many of those same historic places are still exciting to visit!
If you are coming to visit Bordeaux and want to learn more about this area and the important figures not only from Bordeaux but the surrounding area, Sarah Seguret has been learning and creating tours around the Christian religion. She is Catholic, originally from Ireland, and enjoys sharing this culture and history with clients. If you are interested in purchasing baptism dresses, religious jewellery or specialty items, Sarah can also help. / sarah.seguret@gmail.com / +33 6 51 52 26 02
Interested in staying in an Abbey or old monastery during your trip?
Being that many towns in SW France are on the Camino de Santiago / Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, many towns have hostels or lodging for the pilgrams. In Bordeaux, you can also check at the Maison du Pèlerin reception center 28 Rue des Argentiers, 33000 Bordeaux, France in Bordeaux at Accueil | Bordeaux Compostelle
Verdelais, a stunning Baroque Basilica around 30 minutes SE of Bordeaux has a hostel / Hôtellerie – Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Verdelais
The nuns in Auros, around an hour away from Bordeaux, have a beautiful Abby, gift shop and offer lodging in their hostel / Bienvenue sur le site de l’Abbaye du Rivet
Read More :
https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com
‘Made in Abbey’ products thrive as consumers increasingly favor ethical goods
Repas de fête : comment se nourrir en chrétien ? | RCF
*An argument could be made for the buche representing the winter solace and the origins of Christianity which can also be discussed.
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