A chapel for books: In the heart of western Lausanne, a former Free Church temple is converted into an independent bookstore

An old chapel in the western Lausanne region has found new life as an independent bookstore, La Maison des Feuilles, which opened its doors this month in Chavannes-près-Renens. The building, erected in 1901 in the Heimatstil architectural style, was once part of the Free Church of Vaud. It narrowly escaped demolition in the 1960s. After extensive renovation, the chapel now houses shelves filled with new releases, paperbacks, classics, and comic books. The original structure is still evident, with its monumental timber frame and original flooring preserved. Two wooden benches remain from its past. However, doors have been added to improve circulation, and a display board, reminiscent of those found in train stations, has been installed. La Maison des Feuilles aims to be more than just a bookstore. It plans to host meetings, conferences, and a literary festival, providing a peaceful haven for culture and community.