A Gothic church with a Renaissance decor, St-Eustache is one of the largest in the city, at more than 105m long (344 ft.) and 43m wide (141 ft.). It was built from 1532 to 1640 along the plan of Notre-Dame; the intertwined arches of the ceiling give a similar sense of exalted elevation. These dimensions result in excellent acoustics for the church’s huge 8,000-pipe organ, which is considered one of the finest in the city. The church’s musical reputation stretches back centuries; Berlioz and Liszt both conducted their works here, among others. Before the Revolution, Saint Eustache was a parish where both the nobility and working class came to worship—Cardinal Richelieu and Madame de Pompadour were baptized here, as was the playwright Molière. After the Revolution it was turned into a temple to agriculture, and, like many Parisian churches, its interior suffered mightily. It was subsequently restored and is currently undergoing another go-round. Work is progressing slowly and many chapels are still gloomy, but you can still admire the soaring nave and the overall effect of this graceful edifice. You can hear the organ and the choir in action Sunday at 5:30pm before (and during) the 6pm mass; other concerts are listed on the church’s website.
Paris
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St-Eustache
2 impasse St-Eustache, 1st arrond.
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Our Rating
Neighborhood
Louvre & Île de la Cité (1st Arrondissement)
Hours
Mon–Fri 9:30am–7pm; Sat–Sun 9am–7pm; Sun organ recitals 5:30pm
Transportation
Métro: Les Halles
Phone
01-42-36-31-05
Web site
St-Eustache
Other
Free admission
Map
2 impasse St-Eustache, 1st arrond. ParisNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.