Église Sainte-Marie-des-Vallées

Did an angel guide them? In 1829, workers unearthed a statuette of the Virgin Mary while laying the foundation for Église Sainte-Marie-des-Vallées. This discovery cemented the church’s name, a beacon of faith in the burgeoning village of Batignolles. Église Sainte-Marie-des-Vallées wasn’t always the grand structure you see before you today. Initially, a modest chapel was built to serve the growing community. Dr. Lemercier, a visionary, spearheaded a fundraising effort. Sadly, the donations fell short of his dreams of a magnificent edifice. The architect, Molinos fils, resourcefully began with the nave and its striking peristyle. This first phase, consecrated in October 1829, marked the humble beginnings of Église Sainte-Marie-des-Vallées. The village transformed into the independent commune of Batignolles-Monceau. The small chapel struggled to accommodate the burgeoning population. In 1841, architect Lequeux expanded the church, adding the choir, featuring a majestic statue of Mary ascending to heaven, and two side chapels. Finally, in 1851, Église Sainte-Marie-des-Vallées reached its current form with the addition of the aisles. The church’s design, reminiscent of a Greek temple, stands proudly along the Rue des Batignolles. Its triangular pediment, supported by four Tuscan columns, evokes a classical grandeur. Inside, the pulpit’s rich symbolism depicts the power of God’s word, while vibrant stained-glass windows narrate the life of Mary. A small bell tower houses Étiennette, a bell that has chimed the hours since 1857, preserving the village charm within the bustling city. Even today, Église Sainte-Marie-des-Vallées continues to serve its community, adapting to the changing times. In 2015, the Maison Ozanam opened its doors, a place of worship and community gathering in the heart of the new Clichy-Batignolles district. This testament to the church’s enduring spirit echoes Dr. Lemercier’s original vision.