Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Paris

Located on a busy corner in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is an imposing structure. Don't let the Neo Classical exterior put you off; enter the church and be awed by its beauty.

History

The current church replaced one just to the north built in the 17th century as the population of the neighborhood grew and required a larger place to worship. The original church was demolished and construction began on the current one in 1823 under the reign of Louis XVIII. Both the composer Georges Bizet and the great impressionist painter Claude Monet were baptized in Notre-Dame-de-Lorette.

It is widely thought that the name of the church comes from the neighborhood itself. In the 1800's the neighborhood was bustling with prostitutes, known as "lorettes". Notre Dame de Lorette is also the name of a large French military cemetery.

Exterior

The four Corinthian columns support graceful sculptures representing three of the virtues. The statue at the left represents Faith, the one at the center represents Charity and the one to the right represents Hope. Just under these statues is a beautiful carving of "Homage to the Virgin", with angels worshipping the Virgin Mary.

The inscription under the carving refers to the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary which originated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Italy. 

Interior

As you enter you will be impressed by the rich, reds and golds. This church is somewhat unique in that instead of paintings being hung, murals were painted directly on the walls. This is the Triumph of the Virgin, over the altar.

The coffered ceiling made of gilded wood is unique and impressive.

There are four large chapels in the corners of the church and six smaller chapels along the side aisles.

Chapel of the Virgin

Much of the painting in this beautiful chapel was the work of Victor Orsel who lived in the early 19th century and painted mainly religious themes. I love the soft pastels.

A close-up of the dome over the Chapel of the Virgin.

Chapel of Baptism

John the Baptist adorns the baptismal font in front of The Baptism of Christ mural.

This chapel depicts images from the Old Testament including Adam and Eve and the Original Sin.

The Beautifully Carved Pulpit

Note the different coffered ceiling here.

The Organ

A few other beautiful highlights of this church.

➜ Top Tips

• The church is easily reached by the closest métro stop which is Notre Dame de Lorette, line 12, located at the corner of the church.

• The church is only about a 15-minute walk from Montmartre and a 10-minute walk to another stunning church, Eglise Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile also in the 9th arrondissement.

• There are a number of good restaurants and cafés in the immediate area of the church.