- History and visit to the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church in Paris
- Treasures and History of the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church
- Transfer to the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church in Paris
History and visit to the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church in Paris
The Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church, a parish jewel of classical style, is located at 23 rue des Bernardins, in the vibrant Saint-Victor district of the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Built majestically next to the Maison de la Mutualité, its construction took place from 1656 to 1763, during which it was decorated by the talents of Charles Le Brun, the famous painter of the court of Versailles.
The facade, the most recent element of the building, contrasts with the square tower, the oldest part, testifying to the architectural evolution of the church. In a burst of urban planning, Baltard, the visionary architect behind Les Halles, remodeled a portion of the rear façade to widen Boulevard Saint-Germain. This church is emblematic of the traditionalist movement of the Catholic Church in Paris, advocating a return to liturgical practices before the Second Vatican Council, in particular the celebration of the mass in Latin and the defense of a close link between the State and the church, separated since 1905 in France. Since 1977, the church has been occupied illegally but tolerated by members of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX), despite the excommunication of the priests concerned.
From the outside, the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church has a pleasant appearance, although it is not distinguished by external magnificence. It becomes clear that to fully appreciate its beauty, one must explore its interior, where the simplicity of the structure reveals a space imbued with serenity and splendor. Parishioners carefully maintain this place of worship, where the 18th century organ and crystal chandeliers shine brightly.
A few particularities give the unique charm of the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church. The epistles read in French, the gospels proclaimed in Latin then repeated in French, a second “confiteor” during communion and the leonine prayers in Latin give the liturgy a distinctly conservative character. Despite tensions with the Vatican due to its fundamentalism, the church saw its situation improve under the pontificate of Benedict XVI, who lifted the excommunication of the four bishops concerned, marking a step towards reconciliation.
Treasures and History of the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church
The Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church plays a preeminent role in cultural and religious history, becoming the burial place of many illustrious personalities such as Jean de Selve, Adrien Bourdoise, Charles Le Brun, Jérôme Bignon, Jean de Santeul, Le Gendre Nicolas, Pierre de Voyer, and many others. This church contains treasures and relics of capital importance for the Catholic Church, as evidenced by the venerable vial exhibited by Hippolyte Feret, containing the miraculous liquid from the bones of Saint-Nicolas, attested by the supreme religious authorities. Among the sacred relics, the church also houses the right foot of His Holiness Victor, enriching its heritage with pieces of inestimable rarity and value, including sacred vases and fragments of the cross of Christ.</p >
Considered a jewel of history, the church was classified as a historic monument on February 10, 1887, a distinction officially registered in the official journal of April 18, 1914. This recognition was notably extended on February 20, 1905, when numerous paintings and sculptures present in the building have been included in the inventory of historic monuments. Access to this site steeped in history is facilitated by metro line 10, Maubert-Mutualité station, inviting visitors and devotees to discover its rich contributions to history and spirituality.
Transfer to the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church in Paris
Located in central Paris, the Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet Church is 18.5 km from Orly, 32.8 km from Charles de Gaulle, and 100 km from Beauvais. For a seamless arrival, we recommend organizing your limousine transfer from the airport with our expert team.
After a long flight, navigating public transport with luggage can be exhausting and complicated. While taxis offer direct routes, they are often expensive and unpredictable. Many travelers instead opt for a CDG shuttle service or a transfer from Orly.
For added comfort and sightseeing, consider a private vehicle tour. These services provide reliable, affordable, and luggage-friendly solutions—ideal for reaching Paris without stress.