It was built between 1855 and 1864 in an area of Paris which was rapidly industrializing, and was located near the major freight railway station, or "Gare", which gave the church its name.

The church was created to serve the very large and growing working-class population in the neighborhood of the 13th arrondissement just north of Ivry, where the major railway station for shipping freight in and out of Paris was located.

The exterior follows the typical plan of 12th century Romanesque churches in the late 12th century; a high central structure flanked by two lower lateral aisles and a high square bell tower topped by a fleche, or spire.

The half-cupola over the altar is decorated with a painting "The Virgin and the Infant Jesus" by Felix-Jobbé Duval (1821-1889), while the rest of the choir has colorful decorative paintings by Anders Osterlind behind the statue of the Virgin, including a large canvas behind the altar of Christ converting water to wine at the Feast of Canae.

The chapel of the vestibule has a colorful Pieta, illustrating the Virgin Mary with Christ after his Crucifixion.

The church is noted for its exceptional collection of 20th century stained glass, The group of three windows in the apse, over the altar, were made by Jacques de Chevalier (1896-1978).

THe left window illustrates the Apostles; the Bull, the symbol of aint Luke and the figure of Saint Matthew.

The central window depicts the risen Christ showing his wounds or stigmata on his hand, wrists and feet.