130 Paris 18th arrondissement, Notre Dame de Clignancourt

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Named after a village long absorbed by the Paris metropolis, Notre Dame de Clignancourt is just opposite the neo-Renaissance town hall of the 18th arrondissement, and was built in the mid-nineteenth century so that increasing numbers of parishioners did not have to climb the hill to go to St Peter’s in Montmartre.

There are sculptures of Mary being crowned, and three paintings by Kratke produced during the First World War : Widow on Tomb etc. Also Art Nouveau murals and 20th century stained glass. I liked the marble baptismal font and the dark wood confessional, and there are also statues of old testament heroes like Moses and David, which are not so common in Catholic churches.

When I visited the church, there were jolly cows and donkeys inviting you in to see the nativity crib, with attractive shepherds.

The noticeboards invite 8 to 12 year olds to join the cubs (louveteaux) or brownies (jeanettes)  and older kids to join scouts or guides.













































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