Saint-Louis en l'Île

Saint-Louis en l'Île is a baroque church on the island of Saint-Louis in Paris, with a stone structure featuring an openwork bell tower and an iron clock projecting over Rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île. The interior is marked by high vaults, stone columns, and a long choir chapel that extends the space to the rear of the building.

Construction began in 1664 under architect François Le Vau but faced multiple delays before completion in 1726. The building underwent significant transformations during the French Revolution, when religious symbols within were reinterpreted for new purposes.

The church sits on Île Saint-Louis, an island neighborhood where locals and visitors move slowly through narrow streets lined with historic buildings. The space feels removed from the busier Paris beyond, creating a reflective setting for the religious community that gathers here.

The church is accessible to visitors interested in viewing the interior and architectural details. Plan to visit during morning or early evening hours, keeping in mind there is a midday closure to accommodate daily routines.

The western facade remains completely windowless because adjacent buildings stood there during the 17th century construction. This unusual feature survives today and tells the story of spatial constraints that shaped how the building was constructed.

Location: Quartier Notre-Dame

Location: 4th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1762

Architects: François Le Vau

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Address: 19 bis Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004 Paris

Website: http://saintlouisenlile.catholique.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.85111,2.35750

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42