Built in the 1970s, Notre-Dame de Créteil was initially a straightforward and utilitarian structure. Its design embodied the architectural style of the era: concrete, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. However, in 2013, a significant transformation radically altered its appearance.
Architect Charles-Gustave Stoskopf (responsible for the original structure) and Architecturestudio (for the renovation) envisioned a bold extension: two enormous curved wooden shells soaring skyward and converging more than 20 meters above ground. The result? An oval-shaped, enveloping form that’s both striking and quite intriguing.
This contemporary building is sometimes likened to a spaceship docked in the heart of Créteil. Others see it as the hull of a ship. Regardless, its architecture provokes a reaction, especially with its use of cross-laminated timber. Inside, natural light streams down from the top, flooding the space with a gentle, luminous glow.
Unlike Gothic cathedrals, where light passes through stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, here it becomes an architectural element in its own right. The gaze is drawn skyward, reminiscent of a medieval nave… but with a sleek, 21st-century aesthetic. Today, the Créteil Cathedral serves as the seat of the Diocese of Val-de-Marne. It can accommodate over 1,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest contemporary cathedrals built in France in recent decades.
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Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Monday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Saturday:
from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location
Notre-Dame of Créteil
2 Rue Pasteur Vallery Radot
94000 Creteil
