EGLISE ST-ROCH
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Église Saint-Roch

4.4
·1k reviews·Montpellier, France

Unfinished Neo-Gothic church in Paris, famed for Napoleon's canon impacts and relics of St. Roch.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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EGLISE ST-ROCH

Église Saint-Roch

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Unfinished Neo-Gothic church in Paris, famed for Napoleon's canon impacts and relics of St. Roch.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"Worth a short visit for its historical scars and vibrant stained glass."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Hours Beforehand

Opening times can vary; confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment.

📜 Look for Napoleon's Marks

Seek out the historical shrapnel impacts on the exterior walls for a unique connection to the past.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 1,086 reviews

Type

Church

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Napoleon's Canon Impacts

Napoleon's Canon Impacts

Exterior walls

See the actual shrapnel marks left by Napoleon's cannons during a historic revolt.

St. Roch's Bone Fragments

St. Roch's Bone Fragments

Reliquary

Allegedly holds sacred bone fragments of Saint Roch, a significant relic for visitors.

Vibrant Stained-Glass Windows

Vibrant Stained-Glass Windows

Interior

Admire the colorful and detailed stained-glass windows that illuminate the church's interior.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check opening hours before you go, as they can be inconsistent. Some visitors note the interior is simple, so a short visit is often sufficient. Consider visiting when local cafes are open for a combined experience.

Historical Significance

This unfinished Neo-Gothic church holds a unique place in history, with visible traces of Napoleon's canon fire from a revolt. It's also said to house bone fragments of St. Roch.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for stained glass
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Voici les trois choses à faire quand tu rentres dans une église ✅ La première : trouver le bénitier qui se situe au fond de l’église et faire le signe de croix respectueusement. ✝️ La deuxième : c’est une génuflexion dans la direction du tabernacle, là où brille la petite lumière rouge à côté de l’autel. ⛪️ La troisième : te mettre sur un banc et de faire une prière au Saint Sacrement. Par exemple...
@padreblog
143.3K likes • 1.6M views

🎯 Check Hours Beforehand

Opening times can vary; confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

📜 Look for Napoleon's Marks

Seek out the historical shrapnel impacts on the exterior walls for a unique connection to the past. Reddit

In a visit to the Church of Saint-Roch, I bumped into this magnificent representation of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But did you know: -> The inscription "INRI" is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum," meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This charge was written and placed above Jesus’ head during His crucifixion, as recorded in all four Gospels....
fidelisinspe
3.9K likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Hi guys, I’m officially visiting Paris for the first time in 3 weeks, does anyone have any recommendations for places to go that aren’t the usual mainstream things? Looking for some hidden gems of French history and the like, can be related to Napoleanic era or not, thanks!

A fun spot I went on my trip to Paris was the Église Saint-Roch. It’s just up from the Louvre, and this is where Napoleon commanded his battery on 13 Vendémiaire. His battery was positioned on the Rue Saint-Roch facing the church, and you can still see pock marks from grapeshot…

✨ Admire the Stained Glass

The vibrant stained-glass windows are a key feature, especially when sunlight streams through. Instagram

🙏 Respectful Visit

Remember it's a place of worship; observe quiet reverence and follow any posted guidelines. TikTok

reddit.com

I visited the church of Saint-Roch, where Napoleon destroyed a royalist revolt. His canon's shrapnel impacts are still there

So impressive to actually see and follow the traces Napoleon has left behind! I will follow up with a few posts here, because I went to Napoleon's tomb and plan to visit Davout's tomb aswell. Hope you enjoy🤙🫡

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Hours Beforehand

Opening times can vary; confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

📜 Look for Napoleon's Marks

Seek out the historical shrapnel impacts on the exterior walls for a unique connection to the past. Reddit

✨ Admire the Stained Glass

The vibrant stained-glass windows are a key feature, especially when sunlight streams through. Instagram

🙏 Respectful Visit

Remember it's a place of worship; observe quiet reverence and follow any posted guidelines. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Église Saint-Roch to be a worthwhile stop, particularly for its unique historical connection to Napoleon's canon fire and its beautiful stained-glass windows. While some describe the interior as simple, its historical significance and the presence of St. Roch's relics make it a point of interest. Be sure to check opening hours as they can be inconsistent.

"This Neo-Gothic church was only partially completed in 1867. There are allegedly bone fragments from St Roche in the church. Nice stained glass.
Worth a short visit."

Mike Zito

"Nothing special, not sure why the guides recommend it"

Fra Saert

"Impressive. Not always open. See the photo with the opening hours."

G Kom

What People Like

Historical canon impacts
Beautiful stained glass
St. Roch relics

What People Dislike

Inconsistent opening hours
Simple interior

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Église Saint-Roch is centrally located in Paris. You can easily reach it via the Paris Métro, with stations like Pyramides (Lines 7 and 14) and Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7) being nearby. Several bus lines also serve the area. Reddit

Yes, it is very accessible by public transport. The nearest Métro stations are within a short walking distance, making it convenient for tourists using the Paris public transportation system. Reddit

Many visitors arrive by Métro and then enjoy a short walk through the charming streets of the 1st arrondissement. The area around the church is pedestrian-friendly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Église Saint-Roch is generally free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any special events or services that might affect access or require a donation. Reddit

Opening hours can be inconsistent and may vary. It's highly recommended to check the church's official website or local listings before your visit, as some reviews mention it's not always open. Reddit

Typically, there is no admission fee to enter the church. Donations are always welcome to help with the upkeep of this historic site. Reddit

While churches are often open on Sundays for services, it's best to verify the specific visiting hours for Église Saint-Roch on Sundays, as they might differ from weekdays. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you can see the alleged bone fragments of St. Roch, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the simple yet elegant Neo-Gothic architecture. Some visitors note the interior is rather simple. Instagram

Yes, the church is known for visible traces of Napoleon's canon fire on its exterior walls, a significant historical marker from a past revolt. Reddit

Many visitors find it suitable for a short visit, often described as 'worth a short visit.' The historical elements and architecture can be appreciated in a relatively brief time. Reddit

The church is primarily Neo-Gothic, though it was only partially completed in the 19th century. This style influences its interior and exterior design. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to check for any posted signs or ask church officials if you're unsure. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Église Saint-Roch is located in a vibrant area of Paris with many cafes and restaurants surrounding it, offering various dining options. Reddit

Absolutely! The area is dotted with charming cafes, perfect for a coffee break before or after your visit to the church. Reddit

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