It's an astonishing treasure trove of theSeine-Saint-Denis region's heritage. Pagoda roofs, minaret-style bell towers, flamboyant frescoes and symbols from the four corners of the globe: here, every detail intrigues, surprises and captivates. You thought you were visiting a church? Instead, get ready to explore a living vestige of the1931 Colonial Exhibition, meticulously reassembled stone by stone to offer the curious an experience as unusual as it is rewarding.
The history of this church is unusual, to say the least. Designed by architect Paul Tournon, it was initially presented as a chapel for Catholic missions at the 1931 International Colonial Exhibition at bois de Vincennes. After the event, it was dismantled and rebuilt in 1932 at Épinay-sur-Seine. Today, it is representative of the sacred art of the 1930s.
As soon as you arrive, you'll be amazed by the church's architectural diversity. Its facade is reminiscent of a Chinese pagoda, with its porch featuring three superimposed hollow-tiled roofs, while its bell tower is reminiscent of a minaret. The façade panels, decorated with Chinese characters in blue on a white background, are the work of Raymond Virac, a former teacher at Hanoi's Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Inside, the unique nave is adorned with frescoes and sculptures by some 30 Art Deco artists, illustrating the evangelization of colonies on five continents. These works, notably those by Maurice Denis, Georges Desvallières and Henri Marret, give the church a unique atmosphere.
Guided tours are offered on a regular basis, particularly during the European Heritage Days, providing a complete immersion in the history and special features of this building.
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Location
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Missions-du-Cygne in Enghien
102 Avenue Joffre
93800 Epinay sur Seine
Official website
www.tourisme93.com
