Église Saint-Martin

Journey back to 1854, to the bustling Second Empire Paris. Imagine the city transforming under Baron Haussmann’s ambitious renovations. Amidst this whirlwind of change, Archbishop Marie Dominique Auguste Sibour envisioned a new spiritual haven. He commissioned the Église Saint-Martin-des-Champs. This church, nestled on Rue Albert-Thomas in the 10th arrondissement, owes its name to a historic priory. The original Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory once stood in what is now the 3rd arrondissement. Its church, dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, became the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers after the French Revolution. The new Église Saint-Martin-des-Champs inherited not only the name but also a parcel of the priory’s land. Interestingly, the church’s name has evolved over time. Originally Saint-Martin-de-Tours, it later became Saint-Martin-des-Marais before finally settling on Saint-Martin-des-Champs in 1921. The church we see today wasn’t the grand structure initially envisioned. Built between 1854 and 1856, it was meant to be a temporary structure. Abbé Bruyère spearheaded the project, gathering funds through local subscriptions and his own contributions. He entrusted the design to architect Paul Gallois, known for his work on Parisian hospices. Gallois faced numerous challenges. Hemmed in by existing buildings, the church could only rise vertically. Due to its temporary status, it was constructed quickly and economically using a timber frame. These wooden beams were later clad in stucco to give them a classical appearance, harmonizing with the planned interior decor. Only in 1933 did architect Fernand Vaudry add the elegant bell tower we see today. The interior of Église Saint-Martin-des-Champs is a feast for the senses. Murals adorn the choir and nave, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Martin. These vibrant artworks were created by Henri Lerolle and Félix Villée between 1889 and 1891. Look closely at the choir. Notice the unique placement of the organ at the center. Crafted by Louis Suret and later restored by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, this magnificent instrument boasts two keyboards and nineteen jeux. The church has undergone several renovations over the years. In 1895, architect Henri Zobel oversaw the initial elevation of the main façade and aisles, using an iron frame structure. Later, in 1933, Fernand Vaudry added a concrete bell tower above the main entrance. Église Saint-Martin-des-Champs stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity. Its unique blend of timber, metal, and concrete, coupled with its rich interior decoration, makes it a true hidden gem in the heart of Paris.