Discovering the Highlights of Église Saint-Séverin in Paris

Historical Significance of the Église Saint-Séverin

The Église Saint-Séverin, located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, stands as a major Roman Catholic landmark within the Archdiocese of Paris. Its foundations date from the 13th to the 15th centuries, echoing the deep historical heritage of the neighborhood. Situated near the renowned Sorbonne, the church occupies André Lefebvre Square and includes the cloister and the parish rectory. Surrounded by Rue Saint-Jacques, Rue Saint-Séverin, and the Priests of Saint-Séverin Street, it is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, and it has been classified as a historic monument since 1862.

The site was originally chosen for its association with Saint Severin, a revered hermit who lived and prayed there. The church’s history reflects centuries of upheaval, beginning with its destruction by Viking invasions in the 11th century and its reconstruction starting in the 13th century. It houses the oldest bell in Paris, named Macée, cast in 1412. A devastating fire in 1448 led to extensive restorations, including the completion of the tower in 1487 and the construction of the nave’s side chapels between 1498 and 1520. The church’s beauty is enriched by marble decorations funded by Duchess Anne de Montpensier and sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Tuby. A small catacomb beneath the church contains the tomb of Isaac Coustin, a Knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Architectural evolution continued with the creation of the oval Communion Chapel, which required the removal of three cemetery columns. The remarkable wrought ironwork by Pierre Boulanger, including the Saint-Martin gate and the garden cemetery door, further enhances the church’s historic charm.

Architectural and Artistic Marvels of St. Severin

The Église Saint-Séverin is renowned for its remarkable artistic and architectural features, including 19th-century Gothic-style stained glass windows such as the famous Tree of Jesse. The choir is bordered by ten pairs of palm-shaped columns, one of which is uniquely twisted, making it an iconic feature of the church. The nave rises to 17 meters and is designed as a large parallelogram supported by eight columns. Throughout the space, numerous stained glass windows from the 19th century illuminate the church, each contributing to its artistic legacy.

The Gothic influence is especially visible in the stunning windows, including the rose window on the west façade and depictions of St. Peter and St. John the Baptist on the north side. Additional stained glass works from the 19th and 20th centuries enhance the interior. Ground-floor windows from the 19th century are complemented by 20th-century pieces representing the seven sacraments, commissioned by Reverend Ponsar and created by Alain Jean Bazaine in 1970. The church organ, crafted by Alfred Kern and inaugurated in 1963, is a historic monument listed since 1905. Its artistic richness includes gargoyles, painted side doors, and intricate sculptures. The church is open daily, including some holidays, and remains accessible to visitors with disabilities. For a premium experience, private shuttle or limousine services are available through our luxury car transfer team to the Église Saint-Séverin.

Transfer to the Église Saint-Séverin in Paris

The Église Saint-Séverin, an architectural gem in Paris, is easily reached from Orly, Charles de Gaulle, and Beauvais airports. When considering transport options from CDG to your hotel, taxis offer speed but at a higher cost, while public transportation may be inconvenient when traveling with luggage. Our shuttle service offers an ideal balance of comfort and affordability, providing a direct, stress-free transfer to your destination. Whether traveling from Orly or seeking a sightseeing experience, our dependable shuttles ensure a smooth arrival in Paris.