Why does the Église Saint-Vigor look vaguely familiar? You might ask yourselves that very question. The Église Saint-Vigor in Marly-le-Roi bears a striking resemblance to another famous church, the Église Notre-Dame in Versailles. That’s because both were designed by the same architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, a favorite of King Louis XIV. The king actually commissioned the Église Saint-Vigor as a gift to the residents of Marly-le-Roi. He had a grand vision for the village, which included building a royal residence nearby. The church was consecrated in 1689, just a few years after the completion of the Château de Marly. Stepping inside the Église Saint-Vigor, you’ll be greeted by an interior as rich in history as it is in ornamentation. The marble altar, adorned with statues of angels, has a particularly intriguing past. It was originally housed in the chapel of the Château de Versailles. Rumor has it that this very altar witnessed the secret marriage of Louis XIV and Madame de Maintenon. While history remains divided on the matter, the whispers of this royal union linger in the air, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Église Saint-Vigor’s story. The Église Saint-Vigor stands not merely as a place of worship, but as a testament to the grandeur and the secrets of Louis XIV’s reign.
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.