Église Saint-Eustache, Paris

Visit this Gothic beauty in the heart of Les Halles to appreciate its wonderful tapestries and artwork or to attend a concert on the largest organ in France.

The Church of Saint Eustache is a dark Gothic masterpiece, looming over the 1st arrondissement. A rare survivor of over four centuries, construction on the church as it now stands ran from 1532 to 1632. It stands at the entrance to Les Halles, once the most popular fresh food market in the city, but now a sprawling shopping and entertainment area.

Aside from the Gothic architecture on the exterior, widely considered a spectacular example of its kind, the interior features characteristics of Renaissance and Classical design. The organ, made up of 8,000 pipes, is reputedly the largest in France and has known its share of notable concerts. Berlioz's Te Deum and Liszt's Christus both premiered at the St. Eustache, and regular commemorative concerts are held to this day.

In the south transept hangs a tapestry dug out of the church attic in 1926, and originally intended for Versailles. Paintings by Rubens decorate the walls. Of the many births and deaths marked in the church, Louis XIV received his Communion, Mozart held his mother's funeral, and Moliere was married in this very spot. The Chapelle de la Vierge (the Widow's Chapel) holds a statue by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, and in another chapel stands a silver sculpture by graffiti artists in memory of those who died of AIDs epidemic in the 80s. Outside is a much-visited sculpture by Henri Miller: L'Ecoute (The Listener). The head lies on the ground with a hand cupped to its ear. Visitors come to pour out their secrets to an ever-ready ear.

Église Saint-Eustache, Paris
Église Saint-Eustache, Paris

Opening Hours

Monday:
09:30 - 19:00
Tuesday:
09:30 - 19:00
Wednesday:
09:30 - 19:00
Thursday:
09:30 - 19:00
Friday:
09:30 - 19:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 19:15
Sunday:
09:00 - 19:15
Back to top