Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
Built from 1627 to 1641 for the Jesuits, with a foundation stone laid by Louis XIII, the church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis introduced the Roman Baroque model of the Gesù to Paris: a façade of superimposed orders, a single vaulted nave and a 55-metre dome, one of the first in the capital.
It holds Delacroix's Christ in the Garden of Olives, holy water basins given by Victor Hugo for his daughter's wedding, and long housed the embalmed hearts of Louis XIII and Louis XIV, destroyed during the Revolution. Tip: entry is free; the dome is best seen from the transept, and the church makes a cool, quiet stop in the middle of rue Saint-Antoine.
Frequently asked questions about Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
Where is Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis located?
Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the Marais area. It is easy to reach on foot from the main landmarks nearby and fits naturally into a Paris walking tour.
Is Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis free to visit?
Yes, Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis is free to visit — no ticket required.
How long does a visit to Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis take?
Plan around 20 minutes to enjoy Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis at a relaxed pace — a little more in high season or if you want to take photos.
What are the opening hours of Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis?
Tous les jours · ~8h – 19h (interruption pour les offices). These hours are indicative — check public holidays and exceptional closures before you go.
Can you visit Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis when it rains?
Yes, Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis is largely sheltered, making it a good option for a rainy day in Paris.