Boulogne-Billancourt-1

Journey back to 1319. Imagine a bustling medieval port, Boulogne-sur-Mer. King Philip IV, deeply moved after a pilgrimage there, decreed a similar sanctuary near Paris. He envisioned Boulogne-Billancourt-1, a spiritual haven for those unable to undertake the arduous journey north. Boulogne-Billancourt-1’s birth certificate, a fascinating document from 1320, reveals more. Abbess Jeanne de Repenti gifted the land, a village then called Menus-lez-Saint-Cloud. This marked the official beginning of “Bolonia suprae Sequanem,” or Boulogne-sur-Seine. The church’s construction soon began, mirroring the Virgin of Boulogne-sur-Mer. King Philip endowed it with a magnificent silver and gold statue. The church wasn’t always a place of worship. During the French Revolution, it became a hayloft and even a “place of pleasure”. The people of Boulogne-Billancourt-1, deeply attached to their church, fought to save it from destruction. Though desecrated and stripped of its riches, the building survived. In fact, the very first town hall resided within a vicarage attached to the church from 1792 to 1813. Boulogne-Billancourt-1’s church later underwent extensive renovations. Napoleon III declared it a historical monument in 1862. Architect Eugène Millet, a student of the famous Viollet-le-Duc, led the project. Millet, like his teacher, reinterpreted the medieval period, emphasizing 14th-century Gothic style. Today, visitors can even use augmented reality to experience Millet’s restoration firsthand. Step into the late 19th century and virtually participate in the church’s rebirth. Boulogne-Billancourt-1 stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and architectural transformation. From a royal pilgrimage to a revolutionary hayloft, this canton has witnessed centuries of history. Its story continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into the heart of French heritage.