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Saint-Eustache church in Paris : an intriguing facade

Last updated on April 22, 2016 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

From the outside, Saint-Eustache is one of the most intriguing churches in Paris. Discover here the details of its facade, its grand organ and the ornaments that make Saint-Eustache one of the most visited churches in Paris.

Travel Guide Paris - Plan your visit to Saint-Eustache church

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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Saint-Eustache

Located in the Center of Paris near the market area of Les Halles (in the 1st arrondissement), the impressive building of Saint Eustache was built over more than 100 years starting in 1532. It was consecrated in 1637.

Damaged by the French revolution it was restored in 1840, adding the new facade.

Its parishioners included Mozart who chose Saint-Eustache for the funeral of his mother and Molière who got married there.

Due to the time it took to build it, the church is of gothic style with a lot of Renaissance details.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS

Getting to Saint-Eustache

  • Metro Station Les Halles or Etienne Marcel (line 4)
  • RER station Chatelet - les Halles (line A, B, D)
  • In 2015 there is a lot of work in the area rebuiilding the market, access might not be obvious if coming from Les Halles - ask around!

Visiting Saint-Eustache

  • Entry is free
  • The concert program can be found on ClassicTIC
  • It is opened from 9:30 am to 7pm

View of Saint-Eustache from above

As I got up different monuments in Paris, I became more and more intrigues by the building of the Saint-Eustache church:

  • From the Saint-Jacques Tower
View of Sainte Eustache from Saint Jacques Tower
  • From the Notre Dame Cathedral Towers
View of Saint Eustache from the Notre Dame Cathedral Towers

Therefore I decided my next visit would be to this church.


The intriguing facade of Saint Eustache

I think the best part of this church is that the facade is actually the length of the building. The arches are beautiful as well as all the details.

There is a relaxing park in front of it where you can just chill and admire the magnificent buildings.​

The building measures 105 meters (344 feet) long and 43.5 meters wide (143 ft). Its vault reaches 33.5 meters (109 feet) high and the cupola 58m (190ft) high. The church follows a plan similar to that of the Notre Dame cathedral including 24 chapels. 

Saint Eustache Paris : facade 1
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 2
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 3
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 4
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 5
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 6
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 7
Saint Eustache Paris : facade 8

Details of the facade

I loved the sculpture details all along the facade. I almost photographed all of them as they were all different. I really recommend taking the time to look at the many details of the building.

Saint Eustache Paris : details facade 1
Saint Eustache Paris : details facade 2

Inside Saint-Eustache

I must admit that I was a bit disappointed by the inside. The church is so unique from the outside that I was expecting something grandiose once I entered. It is a nice building , don't get me wrong, the architecture is impressive but there was a missing element to my opinion. I did not think WOW.

Saint Eustache Paris : inside architecture 1
Saint Eustache Paris : inside architecture 3
Saint Eustache Paris : inside architecture 4
Saint Eustache Paris : inside architecture 5
Saint Eustache Paris : inside architecture 6
Saint Eustache Paris : inside architecture 7

Stained glasses

As all the other churches in Paris I have visited, Saint-Eustache has some beautiful stained glasses, although they are a bit darker.

Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 1
Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 2
Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 4
Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 3

If you like stained glass, do not miss the Sainte Chapelle upper chapel!

Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 5
Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 6
Saint-Eustache Paris - Stained glass 7

Paintings

I think the richness of the decor is in the paintings of the many alcoves

Saint-Eustache Paris - paintings 1
Saint-Eustache Paris - paintings 2
Saint-Eustache Paris - paintings 3

The most famous is 'Les Pélerins d'Emmaus' by Paul Rubens which survived the desecration during the French revolution.

Saint-Eustache Paris - paintings 4

They display a map with their details if you are interested:

Map of paintings in Saint Eustache church, Paris

The organ of Saint-Eustache

The organ is reputed the largest pipe organ in France, with some 8,000 pipes, although not much remain of the original one.

Music concert are frequently held in the church.​

Saint-Eustache Paris - the organ 1
Saint-Eustache Paris - the organ 2

Saint Sulpice and Saint Germain l'Auxerrois churches also have interesting organs.

Saint-Eustache Paris - the organ 3

The chapel of the Virgin

At the front of the building is the chapel of the Virgin built in 1640 with many ornaments in marble and wood as well as painting. Sadly this was destroyed and the new version was rebuilt since 1800


Modernity

Just in front of the church in the park, is a statue entitled 'Listen'. I like how it looked towards the sky.

Ecoute statue outside Saint Eustache

Want to see MORE of FRANCE?

Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Paris France Travel Guide.

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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