Notre-Dame Church in Royan – Photos of Modern Concrete Architecture
Whether you’re passionate about modern architecture or intrigued by striking spaces, this photo series invites you into the bold world of Notre-Dame Church in Royan—a visual dive into concrete lines and filtered light.
Located in Royan, Charente-Maritime, Notre-Dame Church stands as a key monument of post-war modernist architecture in France. Built between 1955 and 1958, it embodies the architectural renewal of the 1950s, with a proudly brutalist style and an entirely raw concrete structure.
From the outside, the building impresses with its monumental design and 60-meter-high spire. In my long exposure photograph, clouds stretched by time enhance the solemn aura of this massive, almost sculptural architecture. The contrast between concrete and luminous sky highlights the church’s power and presence.
Inside, visitors are struck by the church’s vast volume and soft lighting. My photos reveal the spectacular ribbed concrete vault that envelops you in a solemn atmosphere. Shadows and light, filtered through delicate colored glass, create a unique, almost mystical ambiance. The monumental organ, perfectly symmetrical, blends into the raw yet spiritual architecture.
This church, listed as a Historic Monument since 2002, is a must-see for lovers of contemporary architecture and atmospheric photography. It belongs to the same lineage as other iconic concrete churches such as Saint-Joseph Church in Le Havre, a vertical masterpiece by Perret, and Notre-Dame du Raincy, a pioneer of modern sacred architecture since 1923. All three embody a bold era where concrete becomes poetic, charged with history and emotion.
Architectural photographer of inspiring spaces, I wanted to capture the soul of this unusual monument in Royan—its geometric precision, captivating light, and the emotion it evokes for both believers and art lovers.
As an architecture photographer drawn to contrast, I aim to reveal the emotional power of iconic spaces through light, texture, and composition. At Royan and beyond, raw beauty guides my lens.
Click on the photos below to view them full screen.
All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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