Did you know the Couvent Saint-François in Paris boasts stained glass windows depicting Saint Francis of Assisi’s life? This isn’t just any convent. It’s a significant piece of Parisian history nestled in the 14th arrondissement. The Couvent Saint-François stands as a testament to the resilience of the Franciscan order. They returned to France after the 1914-1918 war. Before this location they were in other parts of the 14th arrondissement.
Construction began in 1934. The architects were Victor Blavette Paul Gélis and Louis-Jean Hulot. They drew inspiration from the Benedictine architect Dom Bellot. His influence is clear in the building’s design. The convent was inaugurated in 1936. It served as the provincial headquarters for the Parisian Province of the Franciscan Order. It became a home for Franciscans from around the world.
The building is made of striking red bricks. Its architecture features a courtyard garden. Three sides of the building surround this tranquil space. Galleries create a cloister. The convent has a public area. This includes the stunning chapel and parlors. A separate section houses the friars’ living quarters.
The chapel is a breathtaking space. It has a single nave flanked by seven side chapels. The stained glass is the real star. The choir and side chapels feature works by André Pierre and Pierre Villette. These were created between 1936 and 1947. The fourteen stained glass windows in the nave and four in the choir are by Claude Malespine. They illustrate the Canticle of the Sun. This is a famous poem written by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1225.
Tragedy also touched the Couvent Saint-François. During the German occupation Father Corentin Cloarec was murdered there. He was a chaplain for the Resistance. A nearby street was named after him in 1945.
Today parts of the Couvent Saint-François are open to the public. The chapel is a particular highlight. It’s a beautiful example of religious architecture from the 20th century. The Couvent Saint-François is not simply a building. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of the Franciscan order. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Parisian history or religious architecture.