Église Saint-Michel de Lille (Saint-Michel Church), Lille

Saint-Michel Church (Église Saint-Michel), situated in Lille, is a remarkable testament to the city's architectural heritage, particularly from the period of urban restructuring under the Second Empire. A competition for the design of Saint-Michel Church along with a Presbytery was held in 1868 and was won by architect Alfred Coisel. Construction of the church spanned from 1869 to 1874.

Designed in a Roman-Byzantine style reminiscent of the grand Romanesque basilicas, the church is constructed with limestone used in the bell tower, spire, and facings, while brick fills the structural gaps. Its layout includes three naves; the central nave features two levels, flanked by single-level side aisles. These are adorned with semi-circular arcades supported by twelve monolithic Tournai stone columns with Corinthian capitals, and oak wood coffered ceilings. An octagonal dome crowns the transept crossing.

The interior of the church boasts significant artistic elements. The choir area is particularly ornate, surrounded by murals of the 12 apostles painted by Alphonse Colas, eighteen stalls, and a modest high altar complemented by five stained glass windows depicting various religious figures, topped with a fresco of Christ in majesty.

Saint-Michel Church is also notable for its historical organ, constructed in 1898 by Joseph Merklin. Having undergone modifications, the organ now features three keyboards and a pedal board, housing 2700 pipes. Its design echoes the organ at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Paris, used by Olivier Messiaen, creating a stylistic parallel between the two instruments.