Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

The church of Saint Etienne du Mont, opposite the Panthéon on Place Sainte Geneviève, has a construction history dating back to the early Middle Ages. In 508, King Clovis I started building a church dedicated to Peter and Paul.

After the death of Clovis and his wife Geneviève, her relics were placed here, making it a major pilgrimage site. As the community grew, a new parish church was established along the abbey wall. In the thirteenth century, the archbishop decided to move services to the Cité, increasing Notre-Dame’s prominence.

The current church was built between 1491 and 1624 and displays a mix of Gothic and Renaissance. The striking feature is the unique rood screen with double staircase, the only one left in Paris, which separates the choir from the rest of the church. Visitors also find a large nave, chapels, and rich decoration.