Perhaps unexpectedly, the \u00c9glise Saint-R\u00e9mi stands as one of the few remnants of the old H\u00f4tel des Mousquetaires Noirs. Imagine the black-clad musketeers, their swords gleaming. They once resided here. The building was erected between 1699 and 1701. R. de Cotte designed it after the plans of J. Hardouin-Mansart. The site was decommissioned and sold in 1775.
Cardinal Louis de Rohan purchased it in 1780. He was acting as administrator. He moved the institution for the blind, Quinze-Vingts, here. Saint Louis founded it on Rue Saint-Honor\u00e9 between 1254 and 1261.
The chapelle Saint-R\u00e9mi took the name of the church on Rue Saint-Honor\u00e9. It expanded in 1789. Three bays and a tribune were added. This allowed it to house furniture from the old chapel. Stained glass windows were among these items. They depicted the Virgin and Saints Louis, R\u00e9mi, Joseph, and John the Baptist.
The church suffered during the revolution. It was plundered and closed between 1793 and 1800. Later, it was leased to the City of Paris. Throughout the 19th century, it housed the Saint-Antoine parish. It was a branch of the Sainte-Marguerite church. It also served as a chapel for the hospice.
Today, two more stained-glass windows adorn the chancel. They reflect Gallican and legitimist inspiration. These anonymous windows date to 1892. Their retable frames share a design. The generous use of blue and red enamels catches the eye. Many engraved glasses recall the S\u00e8vres Manufactory’s work from fifty years prior.
Between 1956 and 1966, the entire hospital underwent reconstruction. During this time, the nave of the chapelle Saint-R\u00e9mi was torn down and rebuilt. In 1976, there was a plan to destroy the chapel again. However, historic monument protection saved it.
Inside, look for the bays. They depict Saint Antoine holding a cross. Another shows Saint Louis wearing the crown of thorns. Inscriptions identify them in medallions. The neo-Renaissance retable frames are stunning. Wide borders feature heraldic motifs on small consoles. These include radiant crosses, standing unicorns, standing lions, and rosaries. Also visible are castilles, fleurs-de-lys, and eagles. Crowned standing lions also appear. At the bottom of the bays are the words “ORA PRO PAROCHIA” and “ORA PRO GALLIA”. All this is dated 1892. The \u00c9glise Saint-R\u00e9mi stands as a testament to survival and adaptation.