the beginning of the story
Our story began in 2009, when Fred and Vanessa Dalais planted La Cité Church in the heart of Paris. What started as intimate Sunday gatherings in their living room has since grown into a vibrant, multicultural community that hundreds now call home.
La Cité Church (egliselacite.com) is a community of Parisians from all over the world and of all ages, with a heart for Paris and for France. Our vision is to be a church that knows Jesus and makes Him known in Paris and from Paris for His glory.
We are a French-speaking church with live translation into English every Sunday, as well as simultaneous Russian translation available via headsets.
We partner with New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI)—a translocal ministry team serving both Europe and the nations.
Our Story
Why Paris Needs a Place Like Epicentre
This vibrant city, known for its secular beliefs, rich history and cultural tapestry, became the backdrop for our fledgling congregation. Over the years, we faced numerous challenges, the most significant being our struggle with finding suitable venues. In a period of 11 years (between 2012 and 2023, we moved 9 times!
In October 2023, we embarked on a transformative project that marked a new chapter for our church. We set out to purchase a property in central Paris. This wasn't just an endeavor to secure a physical space for our congregation; it was a strategic move to use this space as a tool for the Kingdom of God to advance not only in Paris but across France and Europe.
WE CREATED PARIS EPICENTRE!
Watch the video below to see our story.
Our Team
Meet the Hearts Behind the
paris Epicentre project donations
Fred & Vanessa Dalais
Fred and Vanessa Dalais are the founding leaders of Église La Cité, having relocated from Dubai to Paris over 16 years ago to plant the church. They are parents to 3 sons who actively serve within the life of the church. Fred and Vanessa serve on the New Covenant Ministries International team. Alongside their team of elders and church leaders, Epicentre ambassadors and others, they have spearheaded The Paris Epicentre Project.
Hannah Ludwig
Hannah Ludwig is the Director of Contracts (CFO) for EuroMIDS, based in Paris. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting. A member of La Cité Church since 2023, Hannah has been actively bringing her financial expertise and strategic insight to support The Paris Epicentre Project.
Blake Schwarz
Blake Schwarz is the President of New Church Common in Dallas, Texas. He serves on the board of the Aquilla Trust, a Christian property trust in Scotland, and has been deeply involved in property projects worldwide. He has degrees from both Fuller and the Reformed Theological Seminary (US).
And You!
We’re grateful for partners from around the world—ranging from members of La Cité Church to others who have supported this vision through financial gifts, generously and in whatever measure they were able, as well as through faithful prayer and spreading the word. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in making this project a reality.