Notre-Dame Church is located in the historic heart of Joinville. Certified since the 12th century, it is the first religious construction of the city. The main and side naves in particular date from this period. The 19th century completely rebuilt the transept and apse, following the decision to remove the original bell tower. This first bell tower was already remodelled following the fire of , caused by Charles V's troops. Thus, the current bell tower, in the form of a high tower, symbol of the city, is a contribution of the 19th century.
It was built on the site of an old Renaissance portal, destroyed. Inside the church remains the trace of the 12th century church through the stair tower and the rose window, visible from the organ platform. According to legend, the old church gate housed a statue representing Joinville's mythical founder, Jovin, with his wife.
He would have founded the city and the church in the 4th century, giving his name to Joinville. Notre-Dame Church also houses another reminder of the history of the Kingdom of France, since it contains the belt of Saint Joseph, brought back by Jean, sire of Joinville, companion of Saint Louis during the 7th Crusade. To the left of the Renaissance portal, overlooking the square, contributed by the Guise family, are two small stalls, the only survivors of all those that were once attached to the church.
Their stone construction was built after the fire of Previously made of wood, they would have favoured the spread of fire. As you enter the church on the left, a sculpted group of eight life-size figures dramatically depicts the burial of Jesus. This masterpiece was made for the Saint-Laurent collegiate church no longer in existence at the request of Antoinette de Bourbon , the first Duchess of Guise, and was then offered by the Duchess to the town. It was recently attributed to the Champagne sculptor Claude Bornot and dated to the early s.
Located in the south chapel of the church on the square side , the belt of Saint Joseph is the only relic of the saint preserved in France. Brought back from the Holy Land by Lord Jean de Joinville at the end of the 7th Crusade, it has been the object of intense devotion to this day. Opposite the chapel of Saint Joseph, the chapel of Saint Lawrence houses a 13th century Virgin and Child, represented seated, in a "throne of wisdom" sedes sapientiae.
