Église Saint-Eustache

Overview

Sitting majestically next to the massive Les Halles shopping complex, Saint-Eustache is a jaw-dropping architectural paradox. It boasts the sweeping, soaring dimensions of a Gothic cathedral, but is entirely decorated in exquisite, highly ornate Italian Renaissance detailing.

Highlights

• The Scale: It is astonishingly large—actually larger than Notre-Dame by some measurements—with incredibly high, incredibly bright vaulted ceilings.
• The Chapels: Features an incredible array of art, from classical paintings by Rubens to modern, wildly colorful installations by Keith Haring.
• The Organ: It houses the absolute largest pipe organ in France (8,000 pipes), which was famously played by Berlioz and Liszt.

History

Built beginning in 1532, it was the parish church for the massive, bustling central food market of Paris (Les Halles). Generously funded by the incredibly wealthy market merchants, it took over a century to finish, which explains the bizarre, completely unique blending of the dying Gothic architectural style with the rising Renaissance aesthetic.

Visitor Tips

• Lighting: Unlike many heavily shadowed Parisian churches, the massive, clear windows mean the interior is brilliantly light and airy.
• Sculpture: Do not miss the striking, massive modern sculpture L'Écoute (The Listener) by Henri de Miller sitting in the plaza directly outside the main doors.
• Duration: 30 minutes.