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Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
The church of Villerville which replaced the first sanctuary of the parish dates from the 12th century. From this period, the massive bell tower with a sloping gable roof and the choir of the building in pure Romanesque style remain. It was enlarged in 1871 with two chapels and the sacristy. The enlargement work was completed in 1900, giving it the curious silhouette it has today.
The church houses several beautiful statues from the 15th to the 19th century and a wooden statue of the local patron saint "Saint Roch". According to the legend, Saint Roch, born in 1295, treated the plague patients, a particularly virulent disease at the time, before contracting it himself. This is why he is regularly represented with his dog licking his wounds.
The church also houses the relics of the local martyr Thomas Jean Montsaint, a priest who was executed on September 2, 1792 in the abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, for having refused, during the Terror, to take an oath to the Republic (which meant no longer recognizing the authority of the Pope). In recognition of his courage and faith, he was beatified by Pius XI in 1926. A commemorative plaque in the bell tower of the church recalls his sacrifice.
The church of Villerville has also known its hour of musical glory. Gabriel Fauré composed the "Messe des Pêcheurs de Villerville" (Mass of the Fishermen of Villerville) which was performed there without an instrument in September 1881, then a second time in September 1882.