Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity Church

Built during the Second Empire, the Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity Church exemplifies the eclectic style typical of the period. Its construction took around 12 years. Work began in 1852, under the watchful eye of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte himself, and was based on plans by Léon Feuchère. It replaced an earlier church that had stood there since the 9th century and was already dedicated to Sainte-Perpétue, a martyr from the early 3rd century. The architecture of this richly decorated church is very specific. Like the Saint-Baudile church, it overlooks the town from its 70 metres height, but it has only one spire and one bell tower, which makes it so special. This splendid church stands opposite the Charles de Gaulle esplanade, just a stone’s throw from the arena.