Eglise Saint-Eustache, at Les Halles

The 2018 version ofLes Halles is a modernized Halles, a beautiful canopy to protect you from the sun or the rain, and a magnificent Nelson Mandela garden which, after months and months of work, is finally revealing all its greenery and relaxation areas.

But it's impossible to stroll through the Halles district without at least glancing at the great Eglise Saint-Eustache, which sits enthroned at the end of the Jardin Nelson Mandela. Built between 1532 and 1633, the Eglise Saint-Eustache is a church that has made its differences its strength. First of all, its size is closer to that of a cathedral than a church. The nave is 33 metres high, the equivalent of 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!

The Saint-Eustache Church, at Les Halles

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