Église Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles de Bagnolet, Religious monument in Bagnolet, France

The church of Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles in Bagnolet has a central vessel flanked by side aisles, with a shallow chapel at the south-west end of the south aisle. Buttresses stand between the 16th-century bays. The west front and square bell tower, topped by a pyramidal roof and cross, date from the 18th century; the tower has arched louvred openings and a clock face.

A small sanctuary was established here in 1235 under ecclesiastical supervision from a nearby monastery. By the late 13th century, it expanded into a full parish church as the community took over responsibility for regular worship.

The double name Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles follows the Paris church of the same dedication, founded here in 1235. Inside, a 15th-century statue of Saint Anne survives, and ten paintings measuring three by two metres were restored between 2003 and 2013. The three eastern bays carry the initials and coats of arms of Henri II and Diane de Poitiers.

The church stands at 92 rue Sadi-Carnot, on the corner of rue Lénine in Bagnolet. The red double door at the base of the bell tower is the entrance to look for. The building is listed as a monument historique, so the interior is a heritage space rather than a working parish open all day; check locally before planning a visit.

The initials and coats of arms of Henri II and Diane de Poitiers are carved in the 16th-century eastern bays and chapel, not left by a visiting king: they mark the patrons of that building campaign. Look for them on the stonework of the oldest part of the church.