Located in the heart of Le Marais, opposite the Hôtel de Ville, Saint‑Gervais‑Saint‑Protais Church is a must‑see monument that spans over fifteen centuries of history. Originally built in 387 on the remains of a basilica, it was reconstructed from 1494 into a flamboyant Gothic church and followed by a majestic classical façade completed in 1657, featuring Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns designed by Salomon de Brosse and Clément II Métezeau.
Inside, the 75‑meter nave is illuminated by 16th‑century stained glass, including the renowned Wisdom of Solomon (1531), as well as modern works by Sylvie Gaudin and Claude Courageux. The early 17th‑century Chapel of the Virgin, with its grand keystone and Louis‑XIII style decoration, is a highlight.

Musically, the church was the home of the Couperin family: eight generations held the organists’ position between 1653 and 1826, including François Couperin, baptized here. The historic organ, restored, is still played during the monthly "Heure d’orgue", attracting music lovers and visitors.

Tragically, during Good Friday in 1918, a German shell struck the nave, killing around 100 people. The damage is still visible and commemorated in a memorial chapel. Restorations have occurred regularly—after the bombardment, under Baltard in the 19th century, and again in 2000 and 2013—preserving the church’s unique atmosphere.

Since 1975, the Jerusalem Monastic Fraternity has been based here, transforming it into a vibrant center of prayer within the city. Daily liturgy—Lauds, Mass, Vespers—draws locals and tourists seeking solace. Services are broadcast on the KTO channel, connecting the parish with the wider Francophone world.

Visitors can freely attend Mass, join monastic offices, enjoy organ concerts, or take part in monthly guided tours. The sensory experience—soaring vaults, shifting light, frescoes and sculptures like Préault’s Christ—offers a rare blend of introspection and culture .

Practical details: free entry daily from around 6 AM to 8:30 PM (schedules vary slightly) . Confession times: Tue–Fri at 19:15, Sun at 12:15. Audio guide via QR code provided. Metro: Hôtel‑de‑Ville, Bus lines 67/69/76. Parking at Baudoyer or Lobau garages.