Eglise Saint Julien Le Pauvre
Eglise Saint Julien Le Pauvre
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: 5th Arr. - Panthéon
How to get there
- St-Michel – Notre-Dame • 3 min walk
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame • 3 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
193 reviews
Excellent
103
Very good
70
Average
18
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2
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Wander & Wonder
Singapore, Singapore1,700 contributions
Jan 2020
While walking along the Seine beside Notre Dame Cathedral, we passed by the Eglise Saint Julien Le Pauvre. We did not go into the church but dropped in the garden beside the church called Square René Viviani. They have a bronze fountain in the middle of the square called Fontaine Saint Julien Le Pauvre.
Tour guides use this square as a meeting point to disperse and collect back their visitors after they visit Notre Dame Cathedral :)
Tour guides use this square as a meeting point to disperse and collect back their visitors after they visit Notre Dame Cathedral :)
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray Shaheen
Rochester, NY217 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
This small medieval building once served as a chapel for Hotel Dieu Hospital, and now serves Melchites in a Byzantine transformation. Beautiful iconostasis was recently restored.
Their pre-pandemic music series has been resumed.
Their pre-pandemic music series has been resumed.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dellangelo54
Turin, Italy17,210 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
This small church is one of the oldest in the city and is located on the Left Bank practically opposite Notre Dame. The exterior is currently under renovation and the rating is affected. Since the end of the 19th century it has been used for the Greek-Melkite cult.
Written February 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
busconi
Wenatchee, WA5,404 contributions
Jun 2022
We love to visit the old churches in Paris, and Eglise Saint-Julien Le Pauvre is one of the oldest. Built in the Romanesque style during the 13th Century. It is free to enter and really quite beautiful.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heronweather
5 contributions
Jul 2022
I'm a Fan of Highlander the series, I've wanted to visit the church for years.
I was a little worried tourists wouldn't be allowed to wander, i got some strange looks but i think thats cos i was grinning like a fool.
the people working at the church were really helpful.
it is as beautiful as I'd imagined and as peacful.
I had to be shown because i'm not that kind of religious but I lit a candle for the actor who played Darius in the show - the character who was based at the church, his character was written out as he was dying of Cancer
I was a little worried tourists wouldn't be allowed to wander, i got some strange looks but i think thats cos i was grinning like a fool.
the people working at the church were really helpful.
it is as beautiful as I'd imagined and as peacful.
I had to be shown because i'm not that kind of religious but I lit a candle for the actor who played Darius in the show - the character who was based at the church, his character was written out as he was dying of Cancer
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manuel A
Paris, France160 contributions
May 2018 • Family
You are just coming from Notre Dame, you have just crossed the Seine on the little "Pont au double" bridge, and crossed the busy way on the bank; you enter a very nice little garden, Square René VIviani, with benches, a few flowers, an extraordinary modern sculpture, in the center ( sort of a miniature gentle ghosts house), and a very old tree, in the back, As a matter of fact, it is one of the 2 oldest trees in Paris: a "Robinier", black locust tree, whose name comes from Jean Robin, who brought this one and another one, in the "Jardin des Plantes" ( near the Museum of Natural Sciences), from America, in 1610, and planted them here in Paris. If you turn back, you have one of the most beautiful view on Notre Dame, actually one remote one, with a quiet foreground.
Behind the tree, and other trees, of course, you had noticed something like a wall, or an old ruined chapel... You have come closer and considered it IS a very nice little church, even just like a village one. You just have to come out of the garden, on the opposite side of the gate you entered it. Here you are in front of a ruined wall, indeed remains from a bell tower, and in front of a commonplace façade. You will go inside.
As for one thing, it has become a Greek Melkit Catholic church, so you will see something very special to oriental churches: the iconostasis", the separation between audience and choir; painted, decorated in the byzantine style. Then you will be able to admire the sculpted capitals, the very harmonious architecture of nave and choir. The whole church has been built by the same workmen as Notre Dame. But here, you are closer to their work.
It was a priory, dedicated to the ferrymen saint: Saint Julien. For there was not so many bridges over the river, at that time.
For centuries, from the 13th to the 17th, this church took in lectures of Paris University, so famous in the middle ages all over Europe. There were no more place for students to attend their classes. So they happen to take place under Saint Julien's nave, and also very often in the street back of the church, in the "rue du Fouarre", whose name comes from the bales of straw on which the students had to sit. In that very street lived Dante Alighieri, the famous Italian poet, whose "Divine Comedy" became the reference for Italian language. Wherever you turn your eyes, Ancient history is present, everywhere you turn your eyes, here and now.
Just a last thing. When coming out of the church, you can see the "Rue Saint Jacques", and flood of cars coming from the bank, at the right, and going left toward a slope, one of Paris hills: the "Montagne Sainte Geneviève" ( saint woman who protected Paris from Attila's Huns invaders ) This quite straight street is 2000 years old, maybe more, as it was THE Roman Way from North to south, and, earlier, surely a Gallic path, as the City island had been inhabited as a commercial port on the river "Sequana" for ages. So you can go back to a little dead end just right of the entry to the church. You will find an old well and a Roman paving stone.
Don't forget to visit the archeologic crypt in front of Notre Dame to understand the past of Paris town, centuries being simply visible by layers stratified through time, showing all housings and dwellings back to prehistoric times. Then in you are REALLY interested in Paris history and mostly Paris ways of living through past centuries, you must go to "Musée Carnavalet", in the "Marais" area, on right bank, a very living museum. There you will find the ancestors of Saint Julien: severals dugout canoe, "pirogues", found in the east of Paris ( at Port of Bercy) and dating back to neolithic, 4800-4300 B.C.
Bye! Have you noticed all the concerts who take place in this church? They are always good ones, and sometimes excellent.
Have a nice time in Paris.
Behind the tree, and other trees, of course, you had noticed something like a wall, or an old ruined chapel... You have come closer and considered it IS a very nice little church, even just like a village one. You just have to come out of the garden, on the opposite side of the gate you entered it. Here you are in front of a ruined wall, indeed remains from a bell tower, and in front of a commonplace façade. You will go inside.
As for one thing, it has become a Greek Melkit Catholic church, so you will see something very special to oriental churches: the iconostasis", the separation between audience and choir; painted, decorated in the byzantine style. Then you will be able to admire the sculpted capitals, the very harmonious architecture of nave and choir. The whole church has been built by the same workmen as Notre Dame. But here, you are closer to their work.
It was a priory, dedicated to the ferrymen saint: Saint Julien. For there was not so many bridges over the river, at that time.
For centuries, from the 13th to the 17th, this church took in lectures of Paris University, so famous in the middle ages all over Europe. There were no more place for students to attend their classes. So they happen to take place under Saint Julien's nave, and also very often in the street back of the church, in the "rue du Fouarre", whose name comes from the bales of straw on which the students had to sit. In that very street lived Dante Alighieri, the famous Italian poet, whose "Divine Comedy" became the reference for Italian language. Wherever you turn your eyes, Ancient history is present, everywhere you turn your eyes, here and now.
Just a last thing. When coming out of the church, you can see the "Rue Saint Jacques", and flood of cars coming from the bank, at the right, and going left toward a slope, one of Paris hills: the "Montagne Sainte Geneviève" ( saint woman who protected Paris from Attila's Huns invaders ) This quite straight street is 2000 years old, maybe more, as it was THE Roman Way from North to south, and, earlier, surely a Gallic path, as the City island had been inhabited as a commercial port on the river "Sequana" for ages. So you can go back to a little dead end just right of the entry to the church. You will find an old well and a Roman paving stone.
Don't forget to visit the archeologic crypt in front of Notre Dame to understand the past of Paris town, centuries being simply visible by layers stratified through time, showing all housings and dwellings back to prehistoric times. Then in you are REALLY interested in Paris history and mostly Paris ways of living through past centuries, you must go to "Musée Carnavalet", in the "Marais" area, on right bank, a very living museum. There you will find the ancestors of Saint Julien: severals dugout canoe, "pirogues", found in the east of Paris ( at Port of Bercy) and dating back to neolithic, 4800-4300 B.C.
Bye! Have you noticed all the concerts who take place in this church? They are always good ones, and sometimes excellent.
Have a nice time in Paris.
Written January 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeckyBooBird
Fort Myers Beach, FL501 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
Practically in the shadow of Notre Dame is a delightful little park, Square Rene Viviani, named in honor of a French politician. In the middle of the square is a tall, triangular-shaped bronze fountain in a sunken circular garden. It was created by Georges Jeanclos in 1995 and represents the legend of Saint Julien Le Pauvre, Hospice-keeper. Saint Julien built a hospice by the river, where he selflessly cared for the sick and less fortunate. The surfaces of the 3 panels are covered in stylized droplets, which probably refer to the river location of the hospice. In the center of each panel is a stag’s head-- a talking stag plays an important role in the legend of St. Julien --and water is supposed to stream out of its mouth, but that was not happening on the day I was there. On the edges and at the top of the panels, many small figures can be seen, sculpted to depict Julien supporting and comforting the sick and needy.
In the southwest corner of Square Rene Viviani is one of the oldest trees in Paris. It was supposedly planted in 1602, and right now its trunk is fortified with concrete. It is known as the “Lucky Tree of Paris,“ which will bring good luck to those who gently touch the tree’s bark.
Beyond this tree is the small Church of Saint Julien Le Pauvre, which borders Square Rene Viviani to the south. It is one of the oldest, if not THE oldest church in Paris. It was built in the 12th century on the ruins of a 6th century church. According to the legend, St. Julien The Poor mistakenly killed his parents. To atone for this sin, Julien built a hospice near a river where he and his wife cared for travelers. One of these travelers happened to be Jesus disguised as a leper, and forgiveness for Julien's sin was granted. Fittingly, St. Julien is a patron saint of travelers and ferrymen. I was greatly surprised when I was allowed to take flash photos inside the church, which is a rare occurrence in Paris. The size of the church allows you to relate more closely to its religious nature, to feel more solemnity, and because of its age, to hearken back to a long ago period in the church’s history.
Notre Dame gets the lion’s share of attention in this neighborhood, but this charming park with its fountain, its very, very old tree and small but history-laden church is well worth a visit.
In the southwest corner of Square Rene Viviani is one of the oldest trees in Paris. It was supposedly planted in 1602, and right now its trunk is fortified with concrete. It is known as the “Lucky Tree of Paris,“ which will bring good luck to those who gently touch the tree’s bark.
Beyond this tree is the small Church of Saint Julien Le Pauvre, which borders Square Rene Viviani to the south. It is one of the oldest, if not THE oldest church in Paris. It was built in the 12th century on the ruins of a 6th century church. According to the legend, St. Julien The Poor mistakenly killed his parents. To atone for this sin, Julien built a hospice near a river where he and his wife cared for travelers. One of these travelers happened to be Jesus disguised as a leper, and forgiveness for Julien's sin was granted. Fittingly, St. Julien is a patron saint of travelers and ferrymen. I was greatly surprised when I was allowed to take flash photos inside the church, which is a rare occurrence in Paris. The size of the church allows you to relate more closely to its religious nature, to feel more solemnity, and because of its age, to hearken back to a long ago period in the church’s history.
Notre Dame gets the lion’s share of attention in this neighborhood, but this charming park with its fountain, its very, very old tree and small but history-laden church is well worth a visit.
Written September 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Picnicker
London, United Kingdom315 contributions
We saw fliers for an evening concert in this beautiful ancient church and just turned up and paid at the door. The recital was first class,the best interpretation of Chopin I have heard, with wonderful tone and sensitivity.Herbert is a true Maestro. An unforgettable experience.
Written August 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enea C
Melzo, Italy2 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Just on the opposite side of Notre Dame, in the Latin Quartierc(Square Viviani), this church is silent, small, charming with its oriental character. The iconostasis, so close to the nave, and the entire structure are waiting for you, embracing you when you enter.
Yes, there are (excellent) music exhibitions, but I visit Saint Julien le Pauvre for what it really is (a church) in any occasion I come to Paris.
Yes, there are (excellent) music exhibitions, but I visit Saint Julien le Pauvre for what it really is (a church) in any occasion I come to Paris.
Written July 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Picnicker
London, United Kingdom315 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Have gone to recitals several times in this atmospheric, ancient little church. The pianist Miho Nitta gave a superb performance of works by Chopin and Gershwin. Her interpretation, scope and tone were extremely good, with her own composition, a blend of both composers,an ear opener! Very impressed by her. Across the street there is a bistro with a lady pianist, who takes requests. Great fun!
Written April 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can i get married there? i know it would not be legal but we are getting married in the US before we come there. thanks
Written June 21, 2019
I must add one thing: this church is on greek Melkite rite. A special oriental branch of catholic rite, not part of orthodox churches.
Can they accept your proposal? I don't know;
Written June 21, 2019
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