Often overlooked by visitors who see little to admire in its reinforced concrete facade, the Église St-Blaise is one of Vichy’s hidden gems. Venture inside to discover its ornate art deco-style interior, which features richly colored stained glass, religious artworks, huge ceiling frescoes and mosaics, as well as gold leaf decoration and mahogany inlay.
The current church building dates from 1931. It was built over a 17th-century church of the same name, which needed to be enlarged. While the concrete exterior reflects the more modernist architectural tendencies that were starting to surface at the time of its construction, the interior offers an unexpected assortment of colorful artistic details.
Before entering, take a moment to inspect the unusual bell tower. Built in 1956, the tower rises to a height of almost 220 feet (67 meters) and features a clock face.
Enter the church to admire the dramatic interior. Stained glass, frescoes dominated by the color blue, marble, mosaic, onyx and gold leaf combine to colorful effect. Gaze up at the dome, which features an image depicting prophets, saints and martyrs, and is a combination of painted and mosaic elements.
Also of note are the stained-glass windows, which are bright and vividly colored. Created by the Mauméjean brothers, French stained-glass window makers, in the early 1930s, the windows depict scenes from the Bible, including a Nativity scene and theCoronation of the Virgin,as well as various saints. Other typical features of art deco style, including geometric shapes and embossed iron, can also be seen inside the church.
Look for the sculpture of the Vierge noire(black Madonna), which is held within a chapel at the back of the church. Many such icons were once found across Auvergne, and this particular representation attracts worshippers from around the region.
Find Église St-Blaise in the heart of Vieux Vichy, the city’s historic core. The church is less than 15 minutes on foot from the town’s train station.
