Église Saint-François-de-Sales

Nestled amidst the grandeur of Paris, the Église Saint-François-de-Sales stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and historical significance. The church isn’t just one building, but two distinct structures joined by a corridor. This unique configuration immediately sets Église Saint-François-de-Sales apart. Let’s explore the fascinating story of how this unusual arrangement came to be. In the mid-19th century, the 17th arrondissement of Paris experienced rapid population growth. The existing church of Saint-Ferdinand in Ternes and Sainte-Marie in Batignolles couldn’t accommodate the burgeoning community. So, in 1873, the first Église Saint-François-de-Sales, designed by architect Édouard Delebarre Debay, opened its doors on Rue Brémontier. This “old church,” as it’s now known, was built in a neo-Romanesque style, with beautiful stained-glass windows by Henri Chabin’s workshop, intricate sculptures, and two vibrantly painted apsidal chapels. Its consecration by Archbishop Joseph Hippolyte Guibert marked an important moment for the area’s Catholics. But the story doesn’t end there. The population continued to swell. By the early 20th century, a second church was needed. Architect Eugène Ewald was commissioned to design this new space. In a fascinating twist, he placed the new building “head-to-head” with the original, connecting them with a long corridor. This “new church,” completed in 1913, boasts a Romano-Byzantine style. Its striking façade on Rue Ampère features three arches, a triangular pediment, and a mosaic of “Christ Blessing” by Louis-Édouard Fournier. Both churches within Église Saint-François-de-Sales are dedicated to the same saint. Francis de Sales, a 16th-century theologian from Savoy, was known for his gentle approach to religious conversion, emphasizing persuasion over coercion. The stained-glass windows in the old church beautifully depict scenes from his life. The church remains a vital part of the community, its unique configuration a tangible reminder of a dynamic past.