After a visit to the Eglise Saint-Séverin (featured here), why not head up to Mont Sainte-Geneviève, a stone's throw from the Panthéon, to discover another church, theEglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont? Especially as (teasing!) the church conceals a well-kept secret, which we'll tell you about in a moment. But first, a bit of history!
TheEglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont was built between 1492 and 1626 next to theformer Eglise Sainte-Geneviève, which had become too small to accommodate all the beautiful people who came to confession and mass. It was in this former church that Clovis and his wife were buried. TheEglise Sainte-Geneviève was subsequently destroyed in 1808, and only a few traces remain, such as the Clovis Tower, its former bell tower.
As theEglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont took almost three centuries to complete, several architectural styles were used during its construction: Gothic and Renaissance. The facade of the church was subsequently renovated in the mid-19th century by Victor Baltard, who a few years earlier had already renovated theEglise Saint-Eustache after the terrible fire that ravaged it.
A must-see during your visit: the grand organ, the pulpit, the two spiral staircases, and the secret mentioned a few lines above: a wonderful rood screen (which served to read the Gospels before the advent of pulpits) erected in the 1540s, and which withstood the parishioners' push for demolition in the 18th century, who argued that it hid the choir. This rood screen, as delicate as lace, is the last of its kind in Paris, and one of the nine remaining in France!
Since 1803, thechurch of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont has housed the relics of Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, and the philosopher Pascal and playwright Racine were buried here!
The most beautiful churches in Paris to discover on a stroll
Gothic, neoclassical, Romanesque, or even more contemporary styles, Paris’s churches tell centuries of history and architecture. Set out to discover the capital’s most beautiful churches! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Tuesday:
from 08:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 08:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Thursday:
from 08:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Friday:
from 08:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Saturday:
from 08:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Sunday:
from 08:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Monday:
from 02:30 p.m. to 07:30 p.m.
Location
Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont
Place Sainte-Geneviève
75005 Paris 5
Route planner
Official website
www.saintetiennedumont.fr
More information
Vacation opening hours, Sunday, July 1 to Monday, September 10 inclusive: Monday: closed all day Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The most beautiful churches in Paris to discover on a stroll
