Saint-Roch Church

Visit description

Overlooking Rue Saint-Honoré, Saint-Roch Church is a jewel of classical Baroque style, whose construction stretched over more than a century. Its imposing façade and raised entrance reflect the former geography of the Saint-Roch hill, levelled during 19th-century urban redevelopment.

Nicknamed the “parish of artists” because it houses the tombs of many famous painters and sculptors, the church offers a uniquely theatrical interior perspective. The alignment of its three chapels (Nave, Virgin, Calvary) creates a spectacular stage set and a striking illusion of depth.

Visit plan

Step 1: The classical façade

Observe the Baroque façade with its Corinthian columns and the statues of Saint Roch, Saint Honorée, and Saint Geneviève.

Step 2: The nave

Enter the building to admire the scale and architectural coherence of the nave designed by Jacques Lemercier.

Step 3: The pulpit

Do not miss this Baroque masterpiece, where Truth lifts the veil of Error above the Evangelists.

Step 4: The Chapel of the Baptismal Fonts

Discover Chassériau’s exotic mural paintings illustrating baptisms by Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Philip.

Step 5: The transept

Admire the large 18th-century canvases above the altars, contrasting Vien’s Neoclassicism with Doyen’s Baroque.

Step 6: The ambulatory

Walk in the footsteps of history, passing Le Nôtre’s tomb and Mignard’s bust.

Step 7: The Chapel of the Virgin

Enter this spectacular oval Baroque chapel designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, with its dome painted with the Assumption.

Step 8: The Nativity from Val-de-Grâce

Contemplate Michel Anguier’s marble Nativity on the altar, contrasting serenity and astonishment.

Step 9: The Chapel of the Communion and the Calvary

Experience the theatrical effect of the final perspective towards the sculpted Calvary at the far end of the church.

Step 10: The grand organ

As you leave, look up at the superb sculpted organ case (1750) and the instrument by Clicquot.