Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Dormition de Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois

The Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Dormition is an Orthodox church with a white facade, green roof, and a distinctive blue bulb-shaped bell tower. The building combines Russian architectural features with a European location and offers visitors space to explore the interior wooden carvings and icon decorations.

Construction began in 1938 and the church was consecrated in 1939 by an Orthodox metropolitan when many Russian emigrants were seeking refuge in France. Its founding during this period made it an important place for preserving Russian Orthodox tradition in the West.

The wooden iconostasis displays Russian Orthodox holy images in the style that emigrants brought with them from their homeland. The interior reflects the spiritual practices that the Russian community has maintained here.

The church welcomes visitors during prayer services and sometimes offers tours for those interested in the interior. It helps to check the local schedule, as opening times may vary depending on religious observances.

A memorial plaque inside honors thousands of Cossacks who left their homeland during wartime and found refuge in this church. The inscription tells an overlooked story of displacement and shelter that visitors often miss.

Location: Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois

Architects: Albert Alexandrovitch Benois

Address: chemin de Liers

Website: http://exarchat.org/spip.php?article187

GPS coordinates: 48.63180,2.34358

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:21