Saint Paul Saint Louis Church, Paris

The remains of the Dark Ages, medieval and renaissance buildings have been greatly affected by successive revolutions, but the beautifully ornate Baroque façade has recently been restored to its original state.  The church has been destroyed and rebuilt by both political and religious turbulence but it has also witnessed the presence of many important historical figures, from the baptism of Charles VI and VII to preaching by the infamous Cardinal Richlieu in 1641.

The current building was begun in 1627 under the command of Louis XIII, and consists of a mixture of Italian and French Gothic styles, with Dutch-style ornamentation. The façade, on the  Rue Saint-Antoine, is particularly ornate and has been well-restored after the destruction of statues at the time of the Revolution.

Don't miss some notable artistic pieces inside the church which include a high alter constructed from the remains of Napoleon’s tomb, a painting by Delacroix, and the clam-shaped holy water holders donated by Victor Hugo.