Audio GuideSt. Anne's Church in the Butte-aux-Cailles

Église Sainte-Anne de la Butte-aux-Cailles is a charming Roman Catholic church situated at one hundred eighty-eight Rue de Tolbiac in Paris’s thirteenth arrondissement. The building, constructed from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, showcases a graceful blend of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine styles that captivates every visitor.

Thierry Fournet

Originally named Sainte-Anne de la Maison-Blanche, the church has roots dating back to a significant plot acquired in fifteen forty-three by the nobleman Pierre Caille. Over the centuries, the neighborhood evolved with a tapestry and dye industry and was home to the region’s first Gobelin factory. These traditions remain alive today in the rich decorative elements of the altar and interior furnishings.

Abi Liroy

Two towers, each standing fifty-five meters tall and affectionately known as the Chocolate Towers, were built with the generous support of the Lombard family. Their construction is a testament to the area’s communal spirit and enduring craftsmanship. The church was ingeniously erected on seventy-seven pilings driven into the old riverbed, a remarkable engineering solution that highlights innovative design.

Fred Booker

Inside, visitors find a spacious nave leading to an ornate choir adorned with a ciborium and dedicated chapels, including those honoring the Sacred Heart and Saint Anne. A grand organ installed in nineteen twenty-seven contributes to the church’s musical heritage. In nineteen thirty-eight, vibrant Art Deco stained glass windows and intricate mosaics by Charles Mauméjean were added, depicting narrative scenes and abstract designs that brighten the interior’s atmosphere.

Recognized as a historical monument since twenty eighteen, Église Sainte-Anne de la Butte-aux-Cailles remains a must-see destination celebrating local history, art, and tradition.