Mushroom Church?

In France, local governments and religious organizations are looking for ways to save disused churches. A recent Christian Science Monitor article discusses how many of these historic sites are being preserved by converting them to other uses like are concert venues, hotels, and nightclubs.

© Colette Davidson

One unusual use is mushroom farming. Some of these old buildings have perfect environments for mushroom cultivation: the right humidity and warm, stable temperature. The 19th century Martray Chapel in Nantes, France was converted a mushroom farm. It’s now one of the locations of Nantes mushroom producer Le champignon urbain. You can even schedule a site visit to make your own Pleurotus (oyster mushroom) box.

More:

Colette Davidson, “Hotel? Office? Mushroom farm? Unused French churches get new roles.” Christian Science Monitor, July 31, 2023. https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2023/0731/Hotel-Office-Mushroom-farm-Unused-French-churches-get-new-roles

Le champignon urbain. https://www.lechampignonurbain.fr/