Le Saint Privas sur Paris

Église Saint-Séverin is a true Flamboyant Gothic hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris's 5th Arrondissement. As one of the oldest surviving parish churches on the Left Bank, it offers an intimate, deeply spiritual, and peaceful atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the crowded tourist hubs nearby like Notre-Dame. Visitors are universally captivated by its architectural wonders, most notably the famous twisted central pillar in the double ambulatory, whose vaulted ribs fan outward like stone palm trees—a unique structure that once inspired the modern painter Robert Delaunay. The interior also showcases a fascinating artistic dialogue between beautifully preserved medieval stained glass and the vibrant, abstract modern windows designed by Jean Bazaine in 1970, which create a stunning play of colorful light across the ancient stones. Beyond its visual beauty, the church holds incredible historical depth, housing the city’s oldest active bell, cast in 1412, and featuring Paris’s last remaining medieval charnel house courtyard. Admission is completely free, and thanks to its exceptional acoustics, Saint-Séverin frequently hosts sacred music and organ concerts, making it an essential and serene stop for anyone seeking authentic Parisian history without the massive crowds.

Perhaps more beautiful than its neighbor, Notre Dame.

July 2026. Church of Saint-Séverin, located in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, is a century-old church with stained glass windows. The church boasts rich and vibrant stained glass windows, including precious works from both modern and 19th-century times. When sunlight shines through the glass, it casts mesmerizing, colorful shadows inside. Originating as a dwelling place of the 6th-century hermit Saint Séverin, it was also an important parish church for students of the University of Paris in the Middle Ages. Around the double-tiered cloisters and choir stalls stands a uniquely shaped, spiraling stone column resembling a palm tree, its beautiful stone showcasing the exquisite architectural craftsmanship of the late Middle Ages. The exterior and interior are decorated with many vivid gargoyles (gargoyles), and intricate stone carvings, possessing high artistic value. Admission to the church is free. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

A cathedral I stumbled upon while walking from Montparnasse Station to the Île de la Cité. A place impressive for its grandeur, solemnity, and beautiful stained glass.

A beautiful church with a rich history. I loved the architecture and the atmosphere, which was quite peaceful despite being right in the heart of Paris. You can really feel that the place has stood the test of time. A wonderful discovery!

It has the advantage of free admission (as of 2026). But if you're looking for stained glass windows… they're not all that great. In fact, several windows are just an amorphous jumble of colors… as if they were repaired on a shoestring budget. If you happen to be passing by (the surrounding area is very picturesque), it's worth stopping for a visit. But if it's not on your itinerary, I'd leave it for another time.

A Gothic jewellery with beautiful stained glass windows.

Beautiful inside and out. The number of gargoyles is striking.

We have just performed at the historic Church of Saint-Séverin in Paris with the Medina Community Choir, visiting all the way from the Isle of Wight, England. What an absolute gift from the gods it was to sing inside such a gorgeous, ancient, and breathtaking building! We feel truly blessed and immensely honoured to have been granted this unforgettable opportunity. The church itself is absolutely steeped in history, featuring incredible architecture, beautiful stained glass, and fascinating details to read and admire throughout the sanctuary. We were greeted by a completely full house for our concert. Performing together, our choir produced the most stunning wall of sound within these remarkable stone walls. The acoustics were beyond incredible, allowing every single note to resonate beautifully. The audience offered us the warmest of welcomes from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our performance, ultimately honouring us with a magnificent, roaring standing ovation at the very end. As a musical venue, the Church of Saint-Séverin is truly perfect in every possible way. We sincerely hope to return with the choir to sing here again in the near future. Thank you so much for having us and welcoming us into your beautiful home!

A truly magnificent church and an absolute gem of Gothic architecture! The stained glass windows are impressive!