Lost among the bustling streets sits the serene Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité. It is a Catholic church in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. Often called Notre-Dame de Bercy it stands as a testament to faith and resilience.
Before this church existed villagers traveled far to Église Sainte-Marguerite. That church was in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. In 1677 the fathers of Christian doctrine built a church here. They named it Notre-Dame de Bon Secours. It became a parish church in 1790 after Bercy became a commune.
The original structure met its end in 1821. It was almost in ruins. But the community rebuilt it. André Chatillon was the architect. In 1826 it was consecrated as Our Lady of the Nativity. This Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité became central to wine merchants and workers. They operated Bercy’s wine warehouses.
Tragedy struck again in May 1871. The Paris Commune uprising led to its destruction by fire. It was the only Parisian church to suffer this fate. Undeterred Antoine-Julien Hénard rebuilt it identically. He also rebuilt the 12th arrondissement’s town hall.
The Seine flood of 1910 completely inundated the Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité. Even World War II left its mark. Bombardments damaged it in April 1944.
Another fire in 1982 destroyed a bench a crucifix and part of the floor. Restoration followed in 1985. In 1982 the church was listed as a historical monument. This act recognized its significance.
Modeled after ancient Roman basilicas the architecture is striking. A main nave and two side naves define its structure. Slightly projecting transepts add to its form. The style is sober and solid. A classical porch with pediment and columns graces the entrance. The apse features Byzantine-inspired motifs.
Two sculptures adorn the facade. Saint Peter stands on the left. Jean Valette is believed to have created it. Saint Paul is on the right attributed to Louis Auguste Roubaud.
Inside the Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité a collection of paintings awaits. These religious works date from the 17th and 18th centuries. “Jesus and the Samaritan Woman” by Jacques Stella is among them. “The Assassination of Saint Thomas Becket” by Jean Baptiste-Marie Pierre is another. Daniel Hallé’s “The Annunciation” is also present. The city of Paris donated it in 1877. Charles de La Fosse’s “The Resurrection of Jairus’ Daughter” completes the collection.
A small statue honors monk Émilion de Combes. He is the patron saint of wine merchants. The church’s location in the former wine warehouse district explains this tribute.
Monique Baroni’s contemporary painting “Divine Light (Annunciation)” is in front of the choir. Michel Laude’s tin foil sculpture depicts the Good Thief. It dates from 1996.
The organ built around 1880 by the Stolz brothers. It features two keyboards with mechanical action. It also has thirteen stops.
Église Notre-Dame de la Nativité stands as a symbol of perseverance. It embodies the spirit of the Bercy community. Its walls echo with history art and faith. The Archbishop of Paris entrusted the parish to the Emmanuel Community.