Church of Saint-Étienne du Mont

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, a Gothic jewel

The Paris audio-guided tour stops you, a few metres from the Panthéon, before Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, approached with quiet respect. Clad in a Flamboyant Gothic style and crowned by an atypical bell-tower, it charms with its singular beauty.

A history dating back to the year 510

Although the present building dates from the sixteenth century, the history of the place goes back to the year 510. At that time, Clovis, king of the Franks, made Paris the capital of his kingdom and founded an abbey on the hill, where Saint Geneviève, patroness of Paris, was buried. The church now keeps the shrine of the saint, venerated by Parisians for centuries.

What there is to see

The church houses the only rood screen still in place in Paris, a remarkable finely carved stone screen that separates the nave from the choir. With respect for silence, you admire its vaults, its stained glass and the shrine of Saint Geneviève. It is a treasure of Gothic art and Parisian spirituality, in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

Practical information

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church is on Place Sainte-Geneviève, next to the Panthéon, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. An active place of worship, it can be visited with respect for silence and services; opening times may vary with celebrations. Access is on the level.

What makes the church unique?

It houses the only rood screen still in place in Paris, a remarkable carved stone screen, as well as the shrine of Saint Geneviève, patroness of the city.

How old is Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church?

The present building dates from the sixteenth century, but the history of the place goes back to the year 510, to the abbey founded by Clovis where Saint Geneviève was buried.