What if streets could talk? Avenue Saint-Honoré d’Eylau might whisper tales of faith and transformation. Let’s explore this Parisian street. It holds secrets of a sacred space nearby.
Avenue Saint-Honoré d’Eylau owes its name to the Saint-Honoré d’Eylau church. The avenue itself is a private street in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. It begins at 58 Avenue Raymond-Poincaré. The avenue then ends in a dead end.
The story of Avenue Saint-Honoré d’Eylau is closely linked to the church. The street was created in 1928. It was part of a development owned by an industrial real estate company. This company was named after Avenue de Malakoff.
Saint-Honoré d’Eylau actually refers to two churches. These churches stand side by side on Avenue Raymond Poincaré. The older church was built in 1852. The newer one followed in 1896. Once connected, they now have distinct roles. The new church serves as the parish church. The old church is now a chapel for a monastic order.
The new church’s design was influenced by the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889. Architect Paul Merbeau incorporated iron structures. These allowed for greater strength and faster construction. Inside, iron columns and arches create a dramatic scene. Art Deco windows and decorations add to the beauty.
The interior echoes a classic Gothic church. Colonnades and arched ceilings are rendered in concrete and iron. Bright colors fill the space. The dome features windows that let in light. Stained glass windows line the nave. These colorful windows were crafted by Louis Barillet and Félix Gaudin. They worked from designs by Raphael Freida.
The old church has its own story. It served as a parish church after its construction in 1852. Later, it became a chapel for the Monastic Family of Bethlehem in 1974. Monks dedicate themselves to meditation and prayer. A statue of Joan of Arc stands outside. It is a replica of the marble statue at the Chateau of Versailles.
Avenue Saint-Honoré d’Eylau was once accessible by pedestrians. It used to have a removable barrier. However, since 2020, a gate has closed it off.
The Saint-Honoré d’Eylau Church witnessed a moment of national significance. It served as the venue for Christian Dior’s funeral.
The church is known for its Art Deco glass roof by Félix Gaudin. Eugène Grasset and Raphaël Freida contributed to the designs. The crypt was transformed into an event space. The chapel of Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus features murals by Alfred Sauvage. These murals illustrate the seven sacraments.
So, next time you’re near Avenue Saint-Honoré d’Eylau, remember its connection to the Saint-Honoré d’Eylau church. It’s a reminder of faith, art, and the changing face of Paris.