Tucked away in the peaceful town of Pontcarré, on the outskirts of Paris, stands a church with an intriguing past. This is the Église Saint-Roch, a testament to faith and resilience. The church, as we see it today, owes its existence to the end of the 17th century. Before that, a small chapel erected by a soldier who was cured of the plague stood in its place. This chapel was dedicated to Saint Roch, a revered figure known for his healing powers, and his devotion to helping those suffering from the plague. By 1668, the chapel was no longer big enough to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and worshippers. The locals decided to build a bigger and grander church, but this came at a cost. Valuable historical artifacts, including a tombstone dedicated to Christophe Camus, a nobleman who passed away during the siege of Laspères, were lost forever. The church underwent significant restorations beginning in 1884, overseen by Leloir, the Mayor at the time. These restorations included roof repairs, a new main door, and the installation of beautiful stained glass windows. One interesting fact about this church is that its choir pillars are actually tree trunks covered in plaster, an architectural practice unique to this part of France. During restoration efforts in 2003, the original structure was revealed, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the history of the Église Saint-Roch.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.