Église St-Etienne-du-Mont, Paris
The lovely Gothic facade of St-Etienne-du-Mont. Photo © Nick Leonard.
The facade on a stormier evening. Photo with HDR by Bernard Laguerre.
A gargoyle with a surprisingly friendly face. Photo © Nick Leonard.
The wonderfully unique rood screen. Photo by Pierre Metivier.
The staircases at either end of the screen. Photos by Pierre Metivier.
Interior view with stained glass. Photo by Pierre Metivier.
Église St-Etienne-du-Mont in Paris is an attractive Gothic church with some unique features inside and out. Built over a long period between 1492 and 1626, the church was once part of an abbey dedicated to the patroness of Paris.
History
The Church of St-Etienne-du-Mont stands on the site of an abbey founded by Clovis and later dedicated to St. Geneviève, the patroness of Paris.
Such was the fame of this popular saint that the abbey proved too small to accommodate the pilgrimage crowds.
Now part of the Lycée Henri IV, the Tour de Clovis (Tower of Clovis) is all that remains of the ancient abbey — you can see the tower from rue Clovis.
Today the task of keeping St. Geneviève's cult alive has fallen on this church, practically adjoining the Panthéon.
What to See
The interior of St-Etienne-du-Mont is Gothic, an unusual style for a 16th-century church. Building began in 1492 and was plagued by delays until the church was finally finished in 1626.
Along with the patroness of Paris, such illustrious men as Pascal and Racine were entombed here. St. Geneviève's tomb was destroyed during the Revolution, but the stone on which her coffin rested was discovered later, and her relics were gathered for a place of honor at St-Etienne.
The church possesses a remarkable early-16th-century rood screen: Crossing the nave with spiral staircases on either side, it's unique in Paris and beloved by many.
Another treasure is a wood pulpit, held up by Samson, clutching a bone in one hand, with a slain lion at his feet. The fourth chapel on the right when you enter contains impressive 16th-century stained glass.
Travel Resources
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Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of St. Etienne du Mont. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Paris Map or get our free Google Earth download.
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