Saint-Eustache Church, the monumental church that dominates the Halles district.

Les Halles in the 21st century form, these are Halles that have been modernized, with a striking canopy to shield you from sun or rain, and a magnificent Nelson Mandela Garden that reveals its greenery and relaxing spaces. And you can't stroll through the Halles district without at least a glance at the grand Saint-Eustache Church perched at the far end of Nelson Mandela Garden.

Built between 1532 and 1633, Saint-Eustache Church is a building that has learned to turn its differences into its strength. First, its scale, closer to a cathedral than a parish church. Its nave rises 33 metres high, the same height as Notre-Dame de Paris!

Connoisseurs will also note that its plan (inspired by that of Notre-Dame de Paris) and exterior are those of a Gothic church, while once inside, ancient Roman curves and columns and rich Renaissance ornamentation greet us, alongside Gothic details and lines. This mix of architectural styles was much criticized at the time of its construction.

The project encountered numerous financial problems, and it took no less than 3 successive master builders (Boccador, Nicolas Le Mercier and Charles David) to complete the project. In 1665, the construction of two additional chapels weakened the edifice. The façade, part of the nave and aisles had to be rebuilt, but not before... 1754 ! Once again, a severe lack of financial resources meant that many modifications had to be abandoned.

A trace of these abortive modifications can still be seen today, asone of the towers was never completed. A pity, since theEglise Saint-Eustache would certainly have been even more impressive than it is today!

Since 1862, theEglise Saint-Eustache has been listed as a historic monument. It has to be said that it has seen a great deal of history pass through its walls, and even historic figures. Molière, Madame de Pompadour and Richelieu were baptized here; Louis XIV made his First Communion here; Marivaux was buried here; and the funerals of La Fontaine and Mirabeau were celebrated here. A beautiful world.

In 1844, a fire caused considerable damage. Victor Baltard, the architect of Les Halles, commissioned some fifty renowned artists (painters, sculptors, master glassmakers) to restore theEglise Saint-Eustache to its lost splendor - and then some!

Not to be missed: the large sundial on the south side of the church; the 25 chapels inside the church, beautifully decorated with paintings, murals, statues and illuminations; the detailed, colorful stained glass windows; and the great organs, the largest in France! New York artist Keith Haring's latest work, a triptych entitled "The Life of Christ", adorns the third chapel.

TheEglise Saint-Eustache hosts classical concerts throughout the year, as well as festivals and pop, electro and rock concerts, such as the 26h de Saint-Eustache festival, which this year welcomed Yan Wagner and Chapelier Fou. A great way to discover this beautiful church in a different light!

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