EGLISE SAINTE-ANNE

Designed by architect Henri Demur in 1959, Sainte-Anne church in Saint-Nazaire is a symbol of post-World War II reconstruction.

Many artists of the time contributed to its creation, making it a jewel in Nazaire's heritage. It is protected as a Historic Monument.

Very geometric and rectangular in shape, with a flat roof, Sainte-Anne church is a far cry from the typical French church. Its bell tower, a 39-metre campanile to be precise, is separate from the main building and covered with a representation of a bible open to the sky. On either side of the main entrance, two imposing cylinders are covered with two mosaics depicting the work of Nazaire shipyard workers. This work, with its sharp corners, was designed by the famous poster artist of the time, Paul Colin, and produced by the Jean Barillet workshops.

Inside, the modern decor is the result of the remarkable work of many famous artists of the mid-20th century: The altar is a monolith by Maxime Adam-Tessier, decorated with abstract representations of the Resurrection; the blue metal Christ was made by Albert Schilling; the tabernacle is the work of Victor Hugo's great-grandson François-Victor Hugo, a goldsmith renowned for his work with Picasso; and the stained glass windows were designed by the artist Serge Rezvani and produced by the Jean Barillet studios.