Some of the capital’s most unusual places of worship stand out for their history or architecture. Such is the case of Saint-Christophe de Javel church, which ticks all the boxes of an unusual place of worship. Nestled in the south of Paris, it stands out like a UFO among other buildings, particularly with its ochre-colored facade. Let us introduce you to this unusual building.
Saint-Christophe-de-Javel, one of the most unusual churches in Paris
The Saint-Christophe de Javel church, located on rue de la Convention in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, is a unique religious edifice that blends architectural modernity with artistic richness. Built between 1926 and 1930 under the direction of architect Charles-Henri Besnard, it is recognized as France’s first prefabricated church, using reinforced cement elements molded and assembled on site. This innovative process enabled rapid, cost-effective construction, while giving the church a distinctive modern style.
On the historical side, before the present church, a wooden chapel built in 1864 occupied the site. Destroyed in 1890, it was replaced by a temporary chapel until the construction of the modern church. Inaugurated in 1930 and completed in 1933 with the painting of the nave, it was listed as a Monument Historique in 1975 for its facades and roof.
Its architecture blends modernity and neo-Gothic inspiration, paying homage to medieval techniques while exploiting the industrial advances of the time. The building is constructed entirely of cast reinforced cement, an innovative technique in which structural elements were prefabricated on site in molds before being assembled, thus reducing construction time and costs. The main façade features an openwork gable and a large statue of St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers, in keeping with the industrial history of the Javel district, marked by the Citroën factories.
Inside, the luminous nave is adorned with frescoes and stained-glass windows by artists such as Henri-Marcel Magne and Jacques Martin-Ferrières. The frescoes illustrate the life of Saint Christopher and incorporate motifs linked to modern means of transport (airplane, train, automobile), reflecting the district’s industrial boom. All in all, a true tribute to the area’s heritage.
If you’re visiting the south of Paris, don’t miss this little piece of heritage!
Saint-Christophe-de-Javel – 28, rue de la Convention, 75015