Église Saint-Benoît

Église Saint-Benoît stands in Antibes, France, with a stone façade and tall bell tower visible from the nearby boulevard. Quiet garden paths and mature trees surround the church. Together, the buildings occupy just over 4,000 square metres and include three additional structures.

Built in 1926 after Belgian Benedictines began a fundraising campaign, the church drew support from Cap d’Antibes families. It first welcomed missionaries returning from Africa. Later, chaplains and scouts used the surrounding property, which includes a five-room dormitory, the two-level ancienne école, the four-storey villa Saint Benoît, and a large hangar. For about forty years, regular services have been absent, while a caretaker has kept the church available for quiet visits.

Antibes is adapting the site for community use, with youth activities planned inside the church after desacralization. A multipurpose room already occupies the basement. Plans also reserve the former four-storey presbytery for social housing, primarily supporting women in need. Neutral stained-glass windows will stay in place as the altar, benches, and statues leave the main hall.