
As you know, at Paris Secret, we love unusual and secret places, hidden treasures and alternative itineraries. With this in mind, we’ve successively discovered a host of little-known Parisian spots. Among them, places of worship hold a special place. Majestic, historic, simply magnificent, or all three at once, they offer us an enchanted interlude on every visit. With this in mind, today we present the Art Deco church of Saint-Jean Bosco.
An Art Deco nugget in the heart of Charonne village
Following on from the Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile church, the Kagyu Eusel Tcheu Dzong Buddhist temple and Notre-Dame du Travail, this time we take a look at the magnificent Saint-Jean Bosco church. Almost unique of its kind, the edifice sits at the heart of the Charonne district in the 20th arrondissement. Easily recognized by its Art Deco style, it is still little-known by Parisians.
Drawing inspiration from the superb Notre-Dame du Raincy church designed by the Perret brothers, Dimitri Rotter and his son designed one of the most successful modern religious buildings in Paris. With its 53-metre steeple and white reinforced concrete, it stands out from the surrounding buildings.
From the outside and inside, all the Art Deco codes are present: perfect symmetry, warm golden tones, a wide variety of decorations, everything is representative of the movement. From floor to vault, stained-glass windows and mosaics warmly color and illuminate the place of worship, much to our delight.
Dedicated to St. John Bosco, the church pays homage to the Italian priest who devoted his life to helping underprivileged children, and who was the driving force behind the foundation of the Salesians. Members of this congregation still run the church today.
The Church of St. John Bosco is distinguished not only by its exterior architecture and impressive 53-metre bell tower, but also by the richness and diversity of its interior decor. A true masterpiece of Art Deco, it is brimming with ornamental elements created by major artists of the interwar period. Colorful stained glass windows designed by the Gaudin workshop illuminate the nave and choir, while mosaics, frescoes and murals by the Mauméjean brothers envelop visitors in a warm, spiritual atmosphere.
To find this iconic monument to the Art Deco movement right in the center of the charming village district of Charonne, you’ll probably just have to look up!
Église Saint-Jean Bosco – 79, rue Alexandre Dumas, 75020