Martin Loyer Photographer

Reveal hidden or unreachable beauty

Disgraced church: diving into desolation of religious heritage in France

Ordered by the Observatoire du Patrimoine Religieux (Observatory of Religious Patrimony), this series of photos shows the desolation of religious heritage in France.

Much more than just a religious symbol, these places are full of living memories, which disaffection will never change. During this report, I was struck by the number of people who spontaneously came to meet me, as soon as I opened the usually condemned doors. Systematically located in the heart of the towns, they are the pillars of local urbanism.

Keeping these churches closed and in poor condition contributes to the degeneration of the local society. So often limited by their religious function and severely disabled by their state of disrepair, these buildings can still be revived in another manner.

I thank the municipalities, volunteers and organizations who welcomed me.
These pictures were the subject of an exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre in 2009. They were also shown on television in Le Jour du Seigneur (The Lord’s Day) and published in specialized press.

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