Why You Should Visit Saint Sulpice Church of Paris

Why You Should Visit Saint Sulpice Church of Paris

Some call it overrated, others say it’s unmissable. To me, St Sulpice Church is a must-visit for anyone with a mild fascination in Baroque architecture, or simply a moderate fandom for the The Da Vinci Code novel. 

Here’s some reasons to visit, and some interesting information to preface your experience: 

The History of Saint Sulpice Church of Paris

Considered a hidden gem by many who frequent the city, Saint Sulpice calls the 6th arrondissement home. It’s a traditional Roman Catholic establishment and it sits just one block from Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. 

Saint Suplice Church – by Zairon – Wikimedia Commons

This is a fashionable part of town, so you can imagine that the church has been kept in pristine condition. Being only slightly smaller than the Notre Dame Cathedral, this is officially the second largest church in Paris. 

Original construction took place in the 13th century, but most of what you’ll see today dates back only to the 17th century. The original foundation is all that remains from back in the day. 

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Once a school, and then eventually a cemetery, Saint Sulpice has seen its fair share of Parisian history. You’ll fee it, too. Just walking through the place sends shivers down your spine, in the best possible way. If these walls could talk, they’d have many a tale to tell… 

Dan Brown probably picked up on this, which is why he made this church such an integral part of his Da Vinci Code novel. The book caused a signifiant increase in church-goers in the early 2000s, as fans flocked from far and wide to see the site of the Holy Grail. 

Saint Sulpice Church – by Selbymay – Wikimedia Commons

Reasons to Visit Saint Sulpice Church of Paris

It’s Hardly Ever Crowded

Compared to the likes of the Notre Dame or the Sacre Coeur, you’ll aren’t likely to battle crowds while at Saint Sulpice. It’s known for being far more low-key and more of a local experience as opposed to a touristic one. For starters, mass is held daily, and takes priority over tour groups. 

You Must See the Sundial Built in 1728

This is all thanks to Saint Suplice’s priest, Jean-Baptiste Languet de Gergy, who hired English clockmaker Henry Sully to construct is masterpiece in the center of the church. This was purely to ensure that the bells would ring at the correct time each day. It’s a wonder to see in real life. 

Saint Suplice Church – by Zairon – Wikimedia Commons

It has a Wonderful, Eclectic Interior

The interior is a welcoming blend of baroque and neoclassical styles. It’s very unique compared to more classic Roman Catholic institutions, and every corner seems to have something new to admire. 

Added to this, the church has no pews. Yes, you read that correctly. One can either sit on a chair or kneel for the service. What’s more, the holy water fountains are some of the most unusual I’ve found — giant clamshells that spill the liquid gold to all who desire it. 

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The Church Holds one of the Oldest and Finest Organs in the World

The organ was added to the church in 1862. It is remembered as the greatest work of Aristide Cavaille-Coll. The 6,600 organ pipes are played every Sunday morning, promptly at 10:45 a.m. It’s a memorable experience, whether you’re religious or not, and this is the official time I would recommend one visits!

Saint Suplice Church – by Zairon – Wikimedia Commons

A Lot of Memorable Events Took Place Here

French politician and nobleman, Marquis de Sade, was baptized in this very church.  Former French president, Jacques Chirac, had his mass funeral in Saint Sulpice when he passed at the age of 86. In 1822, Victor Hugo, who wrote Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, wed his childhood sweetheart, Adele Foucher in this church, too. 

Other Attractions near Saint Sulpice Church of Paris

The Luxembourg Gardens & Palace

Another unmissable attraction while in the 6th arrondissement; doing the church, palace and gardens all in one day isn’t the worst idea. The church is a 5 minute walk from the palace, or vice versa. 

Luxembourg Palace and Gardens – by Benh LIEU SONG – Wikimedia Commons

The Paris Catacombs

Around the time when the church started to undergo more modern renovations, the city of Paris made some massive changes to their existing burial systems. The 4 cardinal cemeteries were created, and the remains from graves in and around the city center were moved to something that is now called The Catacombs. 

Paris Catacombs – by Dale Cruse – Wikimedia Commons

It’s essentially just a series of underground tunnels containing thousands of skeletal remains from this time. It’s a 20 minute walk from the church to the Catacombs entrance. 

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Les Deux Magots

Picasso and Hemingway enjoyed the 6th arrondissement as well, and would frequent this cafe that list about a 5 minute walk from the church. It’s wonderfully historic, and the perfect spot to refuel during your excursion.  

les Deux Magots – by Cheng-en Cheng – Wikimedia Commons

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