Audio GuideSaint-Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

The Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul stands as a remarkable landmark in the centre of Paris, boasting a storied and varied history. In the twelfth century, it was originally the site of a leper colony, later transitioning to a hospital and eventually becoming a well-known prison called Saint-Lazare. Notable figures like the playwright Pierre Beaumarchais, the poet André Chénier, the Marquis de Sade, and Mata Hari have all roamed its corridors.

Nikos Parastatidis

Constructed between eighteen twenty-four and eighteen forty-four, the church exemplifies neoclassical architecture beautifully. Its façade captivates with a pair of bell towers, an expansive stairway, and a portico upheld by twelve Ionic columns representing the Twelve Apostles. The pediment features high-relief sculptures paying homage to Saint Vincent de Paul, the church's dedicatee.

Thiago Cardoso

Once inside, the grand basilica features a dual-level nave adorned with classical columns. A lavishly detailed frieze in gold highlights the church's mission through depictions of saints, bishops, and martyrs. Artistic treasures such as the frescoes by Hippolyte Flandrin, the dome painting by Édouard Picot, and an impressive bronze Crucifixion by François Rude enhance this holy site’s grandeur.

patawee wongsrikaew

Music has consistently played a crucial role here. The renowned organs, notably a grand organ crafted by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in the mid-nineteenth century, have resonated with the performances of distinguished organists such as Louis Braille and Léon Boëllmann. Designed by Jean-Baptiste Lepère and his son-in-law Jacques Hittorff, who is also famed for work on the Gare du Nord, this church finds itself near the Eurostar terminal, highlighting its ongoing cultural importance in Paris.

Mehdi Lamrous