Atop its campanile a statue of Saint Michael watches over Paris. This is Saint-Michel des Batignolles church. It’s not just any church. It’s a testament to perseverance. It stands proudly in the 17th arrondissement. Its very existence is a story of three churches.
The first two were temporary structures. They served the growing community of Batignolles. Napoleon III even authorized a “branch” parish in 1858. This was after the annexation of Batignolles-Monceau into Paris. The area was on the edge of the historic Batignolles hamlet. That’s how the church got its name. Though today administrative boundaries place it in Épinettes.
The current building is the third iteration. Its construction began in 1913. It was designed by Bernard Haubold. His vision wasn’t completed until 1938. World War I halted the project. The church was blessed in 1925. This was even before all work was finished. The nave was only 35 meters long at that point.
The church’s bell tower finally rose in 1932. In 1933 four bells were blessed. They were named Léonie Marguerite Jeanne-Marguerite and Yves-Denise. The electric clock was installed in 1934. Finally in 1938 Saint Michael’s statue found its place at 37 meters high.
This statue is special. It’s a replica of the statue atop Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. Both are the work of Emmanuel Frémiet. It even faced a dramatic moment in 1990. A storm destabilized it. The statue was taken down for repairs. Its triumphant return wasn’t until 2007. Seventeen years later.
Saint-Michel des Batignolles is more than bricks and mortar. It hosted the Club of the Social Revolution during the Paris Commune. Many women were members. This was in 1871. One member Blanche Lefebvre tragically lost her life that year. Another Victorine Gorget was deported to New Caledonia with Louise Michel.
An organ from the Hotel Majestic found its home here in 1937. It’s a Rieger organ originally a cinema organ. It was restored in 1975. The church itself bears the “20th-Century Heritage” label. A testament to its enduring architectural significance. It was even registered as a historic monument in 2016.
This isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living history book. Its stones whisper stories. It’s a place where faith history and community intertwine. It stands as a symbol of resilience. A beacon in the Parisian landscape.