Temple du Marais — Attraction in Paris

The Temple du Marais, originally known as the Church of Sainte-Marie de la Visitation, is a modest yet significant landmark tucked away in the historic Marais district. Designed by François Mansart and completed in 1634, the church features a striking dome inspired by the Roman Pantheon—a rare example of Louis XIII architecture in Paris. Its unique proportions and intricate design make it worth pausing to admire, even if you don’t venture inside.

The church’s history adds to its allure. In 1802, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reforms, it was repurposed as a Protestant temple and remains a vibrant place of worship today. Its congregation reflects Paris’s multicultural fabric, with services offered in languages as diverse as Japanese, Arabic, and Creole. This inclusivity makes the Temple du Marais a spiritual and cultural hub in the heart of the city.

What makes this site especially charming is the passageway it provides. From Rue Saint-Antoine, you can wander through its peaceful courtyard, enjoy the quiet beauty of its garden, and emerge directly into the iconic Place des Vosges. It’s a delightful, lesser-known route that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets around it.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t explore its interior on this visit, but the exterior alone—coupled with its hidden passage—makes it worth including in a Marais itinerary. Whether you’re on your way to explore the boutiques and museums of the Marais or simply enjoying a walk, the Temple du Marais offers a serene pause...

This is a unique chapel, in the shape and the presence of an oculus in the dome. It originally was connected to a convent. Now it is a protestant church. The building is beautiful and there are some silk hangings made by a parishoner decorating...

Wir sind eher zufällig in diese kleine Kirche gekommen, da diese evangelisch ist. Im Inneren wurden wir freundlich auf Französisch begrüßt. Wir haben uns auf Englisch als Touristen zu erkennen gegeben. Eine ältere Dame fragte uns auf Englisch, woher wir denn kämen. "From Germany." "Ah, Deutsche." Danach haben wir von ihr in sehr gutem Deutsch einen kleinen Vortrag zur Kirchenhistorie bekommen. Das hat uns dann doch sehr positiv überrascht. Wir hatten leider keine Zeit mehr am nächsten Tag zum Gottesdienst zu kommen, werden es aber bei unserem nächsten Besuch sehr gerne nachholen....