Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church

Visit description

Located in the “Nouvelle-France” district of Paris, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church surprises with its appearance of an ancient temple and its two emblematic towers. Designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff and completed in 1844, it reflects the desire to reassert the Church’s place after the Revolution through monumental architecture.

The building is a manifesto of the polychrome architecture championed by Hittorff, inspired by Greek temples and early Christian basilicas. Conceived as a “total work of art”, the interior offers perfect unity between the exposed roof structure, the enamelled lava panels on the façade, and the famous painted frieze that runs along the nave.

Visit plan

Step 1: The sculpted pediment

Admire the triangular pediment showing Saint Vincent de Paul welcoming the faithful and the works of charity.

Step 2: The portico and its symbols

Walk beneath the twelve Ionic columns symbolising the apostles, and observe the large cast-iron doors in sculpted relief.

Step 3: The enamelled lava panels

Discover this bold, colourful façade decoration (recently reinstalled), depicting the Trinity and biblical scenes.

Step 4: The nave

Enter to grasp the scale of the space, paced by columns and a coffered ceiling inspired by Roman basilicas.

Step 5: The frieze of saints (right wall)

Follow the procession of male figures of holiness painted by Flandrin on a gold background along the wall.

Step 6: The frieze of holy women (left wall)

Observe the female counterpart: virgins, martyrs, and penitents converging towards the choir.

Step 7: The apse

Look up to the semi-dome, where Christ in Majesty is enthroned among angels, painted by Picot.

Step 8: The high altar and baldachin

Contemplate the altar topped by a magnificent baldachin adorned with Eucharistic symbols and the Crucifixion.

Step 9: The stained glass

Examine the stained glass windows of the side aisles, following the theme of Charity on the right and Faith on the left.

Step 10: The Virgin’s Chapel

End at the axial chapel, decorated by Bouguereau and housing a statue of the Virgin presenting the Child.