Église Saint-Roch

Begun in 1653 with a foundation stone laid by Louis XIV and finished only in 1754 for lack of funds, Saint-Roch is Paris's baroque church par excellence: a 126-metre nave extended by a receding sequence of chapels staged like theatre scenery.

Parish church of the artists' and theatre district, it holds the tombs of Le Nôtre, Corneille and Diderot. Its façade still bears the marks of the grapeshot fired by Bonaparte at royalists on 13 Vendémiaire 1795. Tip: step inside for the perspective through the aligned chapels to the Calvary chapel, unique in Paris.

Frequently asked questions about Église Saint-Roch

Where is Église Saint-Roch located?

Église Saint-Roch is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, in the Palais-Royal area. It is easy to reach on foot from the main landmarks nearby and fits naturally into a Paris walking tour.

Is Église Saint-Roch free to visit?

Yes, Église Saint-Roch is free to visit — no ticket required.

How long does a visit to Église Saint-Roch take?

Plan around 20 minutes to enjoy Église Saint-Roch 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-Roch?

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-Roch when it rains?

Yes, Église Saint-Roch is largely sheltered, making it a good option for a rainy day in Paris.