Église Saint-Gilles

Nestled between bustling Rue Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Sébastopol, Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles has witnessed centuries of Parisian life. This church, a quiet sanctuary amidst the city’s clamor, holds a captivating story. Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles began as a humble chapel in 1235. The Benedictine monks of the nearby Saint-Magloire Abbey built it for the local farmers. The chapel became the parish church for the community, known as Bourg l’Abbé. The 13th century saw the arrival of many artisans, transforming the area into a vibrant hub. Streets like Rue de la Ferronnerie and Rue de la Lingerie echoed with the sounds of their crafts. The small chapel, dedicated to Saint Gilles, could no longer accommodate the growing population. In 1319, a new church arose on the site of the present nave. It honored both Saint Gilles, the hermit nourished by a doe, and Saint Leu, the protector of children. Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles became entwined with Parisian history, witnessing royal processions and events like Saint Louis’s departure for the Crusades. In 1780, the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, their own church destroyed, made Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles their headquarters. They added a crypt beneath the choir for their ceremonies. The church endured tumultuous times. The French Revolution saw it desecrated, its royal symbols removed, and converted into a storehouse for salted meats. It was later sold and rented several times, rescued only by the pleas of Abbé Martinet to Napoleon. The 19th century brought further upheaval. Haussmann’s renovations claimed three chapels and part of the apse. Yet, the church gained a new chapel, designed by Baltard, and its grand organ, originally built by Clicquot. The Paris Commune brought more damage and the arrest of the church’s priest. But Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles survived. The relics of Saint Helena, brought from Hautvillers Abbey in 1819, found a home in the church’s crypt, becoming a focus of veneration. Today, Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles stands as a testament to resilience and community. Its story, interwoven with the city’s fabric, continues to resonate within its walls.