Saint-Sulpice

Flying buttresses of Saint-Sulpice

At first glance this church seems diminutive compared to Notre Dame. A peek inside Saint-Sulpice confirms it’s actually only a tad bit smaller.

History

Paris’ second largest church, Saint-Sulpice’s Roman roots date back to the 13^th Century, however the bulk of the construction and renovations were done much later in the early 1600’s.  A new sanctuary, ambulatory, transept, portal and chapels were added on in the latter part of the 17^th Century and into the 18^th.

Often overlooked for the more popular churches like Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, its claim to fame is that Saint-Sulpice is home to the best organ music in Paris. People flock from all over to see and hear the organ that is one of the greatest in all of Europe.

Beautiful stained glass windows of Saint-Sulpice

One of the World’s Best Organs

François-Henri Cliquot who was part of a family dynasty of master organ builders constructed the organ. Years later, the famous Aristide Cavaillé-Coll took the already impressive organ and reconstructed it and added major improvements. It is considered the best organ to survive the countless changes that the modern-day era has attempted. Famous organists have flocked to Saint-Sulpice to play this magnificent masterpiece.

Today there are two regular organists who play during the Catholic masses. Concerts are given regularly, and of course, if you attend mass you will get to hear one of the world’s best organists play for free. At other times you just might be lucky enough to happen upon one of the organists practicing.

Impressive organ sounds as wonderful as it looks

The windows of Saint-Sulpice are more sedate than other churches in Paris, but beautiful nonetheless. Even on the darkest of days in Paris, the windows gather the light and provide quite a display of bright stained glass works of art to digest. Worth noting, many works of art by important historical figures such as Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, and Eugène Delacroix can also be found in this church. Just a stones throw from the Luxembourg Gardens, I find Saint-Sulpice a “must see” while visiting Paris.

Location

Saint-Sulpice

rue Bonaparte on the east side of Place Saint-Sulpice

All photos are the property of The Weekend In Paris. Must obtain permission before use.