Saint Eustache Church district
Saint Eustache Church is situated near Les Halles, a district that began developing in the late 12th century when the newly built Wall of Philip-Augustus encompassed the Rive Droite. The construction of the Louvre fortress and the establishment of the covered market indeed catalyzed the growth of new communities in the area.
As the population expanded, the demand for larger places of worship became evident. As Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois could no longer accommodate the growing number of worshipers, new churches, including Saint-Eustache, Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles, and Saint-Roch were built.
In 1213, a wealthy Parisian resident built a small chapel to serve the workers of Les Halles. The area around this chapel rapidly transformed from a cluster of dwellings into a bustling village and eventually a vibrant district. By the 1500s, the modest chapel could no longer meet the needs of the steadily growing population, and necessitated the construction of a larger church.
This new church, dedicated to Saint Eustache, replaced the original chapel. According to legend, Saint Eustache and his family met a tragic fate: they were locked inside a giant bronze bull statue, which was then set alight.
Saint Eustache Church, one of the largest Gothic churches
Saint Eustache Church is renowned for its monumental dimensions: 100 meters in length, 43 meters in width, and 33.5 meters in height!
The construction spanned 105 years, yet remarkably, the original architectural plans were adhered to throughout this prolonged period.
Interestingly, the identity of the architect remains unknown.
The architecture and decoration of Saint Eustache are a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and early Baroque styles.
This unique blend of styles contributes to the church’s distinct and historical character.
The imposing French Renaissance facade, which integrates seamlessly with the Gothic structure, was reconstructed identically in 1854 due to structural subsidence that caused cracks to appear.
The church’s left tower houses two bells, with the largest weighing 200 kilograms. This bell was cast using metal from the four pumps of the Samaritaine, which operated under the Pont-Neuf.
Saint Eustache Church – Interior
Saint Eustache Church’s diversity of architectural styles extends to its interior, where the nave and transept feature Gothic design, while the South door showcases Renaissance architecture.
A tapestry originally woven for the chapel of Versailles now adorns the south transept. This tapestry was remarkably “re-discovered” in the church’s attic in 1926 and subsequently restored by the workshops of the Manufacture des Gobelins.
A splendid stained glass window depicting Saint Eustache among the Apostles enhances the chancel, while the Chapelle de la Vierge features a statue sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle in 1640 and murals painted by Thomas Couture in the 19th century.
The church’s clock dates from 1718, and was restored by the renowned clock-maker Lepaute in 1851 and faces the chapel. In 1720, Philippe d’ Orléans, the Regent of France, generously donated the magnificent Churchwardens’ pews.
Finally, the church boasts an imposing organ dating from 1854.
Who worshiped in Saint Eustache Church?
Many kings and illustrious people worshiped in Saint Eustache Church.
The composer Jean-Baptiste Lully was married there, and Cardinal Richelieu was baptized within its walls.
The funerals of notable figures such as the writer Jean de La Fontaine and the composer Jean-Philippe Rameau were also held in this church, while Mozart’s mother was buried in Saint Eustache.
The magnificent mausoleum of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the influential minister of Louis XIV, was decorated by the painter Charles Le Brun and is located to the left of the chancel.
The church is also renowned for its exceptional acoustics, making it a favored venue for composers such as Verdi, Liszt, and Berlioz to perform their music.
Due to this, Saint Eustache Church is considered the Mecca of Sacred Music in Paris, attracting both performers and music enthusiasts alike.
Directions: 1st district
Metro: Les Halles on Line 4
Coordinates: Lat 48.863393 – Long 2.345099
