The Church Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis is an imposing church on the Rue de Rivoli, the principal street through the centre of the 4th arrondisement of Paris. The closest Metro station to the church is called Saint-Paul.
Discover the Church Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
France This Way review: although it is not an indispensable destination during your visit to Paris, you are likely to see the Church Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis as you explore the Marais region of the city, and should visit as you are passing.
Construction of the church began in 1627 - it was Cardinal Richelieu (or King Louis XIII according to some sources) who placed the first stone, in March of that year. The site was previously the site of a substantial town house and gardens, that was given to the Jesuits at the end of the 16th century.
Construction work was completed in about 14 years, and the church was consecrated in 1641, dedicated to Saint-Louis of the Jesuits.
The church is in the baroque style, and originally the interior contained many artworks and furnishings also in this style, although these were largely lost during the Revolution.
After the Revolution, it was in 1802 that the church reopened. It now took the name Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, with the name Saint-Paul being a tribute to a church of that name, close to here, that had been destroyed during the Revolution years. The religious community from the Church Saint-Paul now became part of the community at at this church.
Although the architecture of the church is largely in the Italian baroque style, and very similar in appearance to a church in Rome called the Church of Gesu, it also incorporates elements from the French gothic style.
Before you enter the Church Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, take a moment to admire the facade. This is essentially an Italian Baroque style, and on three levels: each level has stone columns and various decorative elements such as statues and a large clock.
The interior nave is very decorated with ornate carving, with large stone arches separating the main nave from the side naves. There is a small dome above the altar, and a large dome above the transept, also decorated in the baroque style.
The church has been substantially renovated over the last 20 years, including extensive renovation work on the facade, and a large project to clean and restore the baroque style stained glass windows.
Notable artworks inside the church include a beautiful statue called La Vierge de Douleur (the Sorrowful Virgin), carved by Germain Pilon in the 16th century, and a large painting by Delacroix, called Christ in the Olive Garden.
Victor Hugo and the Church Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
Just inside the doors of the church you can see two large fonts created from a large shell. These were a gift to the church from Victor Hugo, perhaps at the time of his daughter being married in the church.
The author also used the church for the fictional marriage of Marius and Cosette in Les Miserables.
Attractions nearby
The Saint-Paul quarter of Paris (where the Saint-Paul part of the name of the church has its origins) is just south of this church, and you can see a part of the original fortifications that once defended the city, as well as explore the small pedestrian area called the Village Saint-Paul, with its gardens and cafes.
Another interesting region of the Marais to explore is the Jewish Quarter, in the streets to the north of the Church Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis: the Kosher restaurants here are a popular attraction with visitors.
See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Paris region guide.
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