- History and visit the Church of the Sorbonne in Paris
- Discover the Surroundings of the Church of the Sorbonne in Paris
- Transfer to the Church of the Sorbonne to CDG airport
History and visit the Church of the Sorbonne in Paris
Catholic temple, attached to the Archdiocese of Paris, the Church of the Sorbonne was built in 1635 and work was completed in 1642. It now belongs to the list of world monuments. The church is located in the city of Paris, in 5th district. Previously, it served as a chapel for the College of the Sorbonne, and it was only a few years later that it became the chapel of the university faculties of Paris around the nineteenth century. Cardinal Richelieu, who had participated in the reconstruction of the Church in the seventeenth century, now rests in the vaults of the church.
Since the founding of the College of the Sorbonne, it was decided that it would have a chapel so that Christian students could pray there. At that time, the chapel was a Gothic Latin cross. It was built in 1326 and was also intended for eleven thousand virgins. In 1622, Cardinal Richelieu became the Principal of the College of the Sorbonne. He could not, however, accept the state in which the college was because all the buildings which served as an educational center were in very poor condition. He subsequently decided to hire the architect Jacques Lemercier to redo college plans for it to be renovated and take a classic style. At the time of construction, the cardinal had also ordered to build a place where he would be placed after his death. The chapel that was to be retained was finally cleared for more space and a new chapel was built on the site of the college Calvy.
The construction of the college began in 1627 and it was not until eight years later that the new chapel began. The Cardinal had not had the chance to admire the finished buildings, for he died in 1642, a few months before the work was ending. The Church of the Sorbonne was placed in front of the north side of the College. It had a great view, because its lines were very elegant overall. On the facades, there are two rows of stacked columns, one is of the Corinthian order and the other is of the composite order. There is also a statue on each niche, top, right side, one can find the statue of Saint Thomas Aquinas, on the left, was the site of the statue of Peter Lombard, on the right side the lower zone, there is a statue of Bossuet and on the left, it was the statue of Gerson. Apart from these four statues, there are also four other figurines representing Moses and Saints Peter and Paul. This church was very famous after its construction, as it was the first monument in the capital. The two sides of the church were made in order to remember each of the ancient Pantheon Rome and Christian Rome of the Catholic reform. This type of structure was so popular that the Church remains to this day one of the most beautiful masterpieces of French work.
As for the interior decoration of the church, it was Philippe de Champaigne who was in charge. He was also the source of all the paintings that adorned the church. And it was François Girardon who had decorated the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu who was in the choir of the Church of the Sorbonne. In 1885, the church was in very poor condition due to lack of maintenance, but was quickly restored to the extent that it had become a world-renowned monument.
Discover the Surroundings of the Church of the Sorbonne in Paris
The Church of the Sorbonne, nestled in the historic Latin Quarter of Paris, is surrounded by a wealth of cultural and intellectual landmarks. A short stroll from the church, you’ll find the iconic Panthéon, a mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens like Voltaire and Rousseau. This neoclassical masterpiece is not only a sight to behold but also a symbol of France’s rich historical heritage.
Adjacent to the Panthéon is the Luxembourg Gardens, one of Paris’s most beloved parks. Here, visitors can enjoy beautifully manicured lawns, picturesque fountains, and an array of statues. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life.
The area is also home to some of Paris’s most prestigious educational institutions, including the Sorbonne University itself. This venerable institution enhances the neighborhood’s scholarly atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of academic pursuit and architectural beauty.
For those interested in exploring further, the nearby Cluny Museum showcases medieval art, providing a deep dive into Europe’s Middle Ages through its extensive collection of artifacts and tapestries. Just a few blocks away, the vibrant streets of the Latin Quarter abound with quaint bookshops, cozy cafes, and traditional bistros, reflecting the bohemian spirit Paris is famed for.
To conveniently navigate these attractions, consider using reliable shuttle services to Parisian landmarks, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable exploration of the area.
Transfer to the Church of the Sorbonne to CDG airport
Enjoy the comfort of our luxury vehicles by booking a private VIP shuttle to the Church of the Sorbonne from Orly airport. Located 24 km from Orly, 36 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and 98 km from Beauvais Airport, the Church of the Sorbonne is conveniently accessible. While taxis provide direct routes, they can be costly, and public transport, though cheaper, poses challenges with heavy luggage. Feedback from travelers suggests CDG to Paris shuttles offer a balanced solution, avoiding high taxi fares and the complexities of RER or metro. Our shuttle service ensures a comfortable, stress-free transfer with convenient pickups from Orly, tailored to your travel needs and ensuring a smooth start to your Paris visit.