Les églises remarquables d'Audincourt
Audincourt’s beautiful churches
The ‘Immaculée-Conception’ and ‘Sacré-Cœur’ churches in Audincourt, both listed as ‘Patrimoine du XXe siècle’ (20th century heritage), are among some of the most beautiful in the Pays de Montbéliard. Designed by two renowned architects, they were built thanks to the hard work of the parishioners and then decorated by many talented artists.

The church of the 'Immaculée-Conception’ (1928-1932)

With its high bell tower, which can been seen from quite a distance rising up out of the Forges district, the church of the 'Immaculée-Conception’ astonishes both by its imposing mass and its original design. It is the result of the combination of skills of the internationally-renowned monk and builder Dom Bellot (1876-1944) and committed artists who were able to count on the support of parishioners. The church is the perfect example of the architectural and spiritual exploration which occurred in the 20th century.
One of its special features is its structure, which creates voids, combined with a double-walled wall made of polychrome brickwork on the inside and reconstituted local stone on the outside.
Bright stained-glass windows made by Valentine Reyre create an interplay of light and shade. Two tapestries by Robert Dubail enhance the interior of the church, as well as the stained glass designed by the same artist in front of the main entrance, which are illuminated at the onset of nightfall.

> Access: avenue Jean Jaurès in Audincourt.

Sacré-Cœur church (1949-1951)

This church, built in the aftermath of the Second World War in the working-class district known as ‘des autos’, is a fine example of the revival of sacred art. The work is the result of a collective effort, led by an architect (Maurice Novarina), a priest (Louis Prenel), four artists (Fernand Léger for the stained glass windows in the nave and the chancel’s tapestry, Jean Bazaine for the mosaic above the doorway and the glass panels by the font, and Jean Le Moal for the stained glass in the crypt) and 120 volunteer families.
Sacré-Cœur’s architecture is restrained and retains the purity of the geometry. In contrast, once you have entered the church, you are struck by the large nave without aisles or side chapels which showcases the circle of light created by the 17 stained glass windows by Fernand Léger which tell the story of the Passion of Christ.

> Access: 3 rue du Pauvrement in Audincourt.
> Open every day.