Nîmes, St Perpétue church, Eclectic church in Nîmes, France

St Perpetue church is an eclectic Second Empire church on the Charles de Gaulle esplanade, built to plans by Léon Feuchère. Its facade tower carries a 71-metre spire topped by an 8-metre wrought iron cross, five metres of which are set into the spire. Inside, a three-aisled nave of six bays rises over 20 metres to broken rib vaults on Corinthian pilasters.

Léon Feuchère drew the plans and the first stone was laid in October 1852 by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. The structural work was finished in autumn 1862, fittings continued until 1864, and the church was consecrated in June 1864. Joseph Felon and Colin, who also worked on the prefecture, provided the decoration.

The dedication pairs two martyrs of Carthage, Perpetua and Felicity, venerated together since antiquity. The decoration was entrusted to Joseph Felon and Colin, the same team that worked on the prefecture. In the south side chapel stands a statue of the Virgin and Child; the choir windows show the twelve apostles, while the other windows use geometric forms.

The church sits directly on the Charles de Gaulle esplanade and welcomes visitors during services and guided visits. It is advisable to check opening times in advance, as the building may have restricted hours for tourists outside of service times.

The spire rises 71 metres above the Charles-de-Gaulle esplanade and is crowned by an 8-metre wrought-iron cross, 5 metres of which are set into the spire itself. The nave reaches more than 20 metres in height, and the twelve choir windows depict the twelve apostles.