Michael Hainsworth

The gothic cathedral of Saint Eustache is remarkable in its contrast to Paris’ more famous cathedrals, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. It’s in a terrible state of disrepair, as it appears the cash needed for its upkeep has run out.

Outside Eglise Ste Eustache

Ironically, Saint Eustache was modeled on Notre Dame and built between 1532 and 1637. Moliere’s funeral was held at the church in 1673 and it was the first church to contain the tombs of some of Paris’ most influential people of the day (Louis XIV’s finance minister). Despite the dust topped arches and sculptures inside, the grand organ inside has been restored and the church’s current organist plays a free concert each Sunday at 5:30pm.

What also makes this cathedral worth visiting is its sculpture display at its entrance. 15 foot tall thin golden figures appear frozen in play near the doors of the church while a giant rock man seems stuck in the earth, looking away from St. Eustache.

We had been in the neighbourhood the night before, enjoying a late dinner on the patio of an Italian restaurant on a pedestrian walkway nearby. From this vantage point you can also see the gardens of Les Forums Des Halles.

The Grand Organ

You are being watched

Surprisingly Humble

Nice nearby restaurant