Église Saint-Gilles de Bourg-la-Reine, Neoclassical church in Bourg-la-Reine, France
Église Saint-Gilles is a neoclassical church with a basilica layout, where the main facade is framed by Ionic columns that define its architectural character. The bell tower holds five bells and contributes to the building's overall appearance and vertical presence in the village.
The current building was constructed between 1835 and 1837 by architect Auguste Molinos, replacing an earlier 1152 structure that Montmartre Abbey nuns had built. This rebuilding reflected the growing needs of the expanding community.
The church is named after Saint Giles and serves as a gathering place within the heart of the village community. It draws people who come for organ concerts or to find quiet moments within its spaces.
The interior houses an organ built by Dominique Oberthür in 1978 with the name Jean-Noël, which underwent restoration work in 2014. Visitors should check opening times and consider visiting during organ concerts to hear the instrument played.
One of the bells in the tower dates back to 1780 and survived the French Revolution when many other church bells were melted down for their metal. Its survival makes it a tangible connection to a turbulent period in history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
