Dedicated to Saint Clair (c. 590–660), patron saint of the blind and visually impaired, the Church of Saint-Clair occupies the spiritual and historical heart of Brignais. Although the parish church existed long before, the current structure results from a complete reconstruction between 1859 and 1862, led by Abbé Rival, parish priest from 1846 to 1867.
The architectural project was first entrusted to Jean Mauvernay, then taken over by Clair Tisseur, a native of Saint-Foy-lès-Lyon and better known under his literary pseudonym Nizier du Puitspelu, author of the Littré de la Grande Côte. Together, they created a coherent neo-Gothic ensemble inspired by the 13th-century ogival style, revived during the 19th century.
From the medieval church, two elements remain:
- the large crucifix above the entrance porch,
- and the largest bell, cast in 1492, listed as a historic monument in 1905.
The interior furnishings, entirely designed by Abbé Rival, form a rare stylistic unity. Notable features include finely carved woodwork by the sculptor Aubert, side altars by Fabisch (renowned decorator of Fourvière), and stained-glass windows by Alexandre Mauvernay, whose choir windows depict major figures of the Old and New Testaments. The baptismal font remains in use, while the grand organ, originating from the Benedictine Abbey of Pradines, was installed in 1998 and restored between 2009 and 2012.
Location: 1 Rue de l’Église, 69530 Brignais, France
