A Stunning Gothic Church in Paris that 99% of Tourists... 🕍

To first-time visitors in Paris, I highly recommend checking out: ⛪ Saint-Merri Church Located near the Pompidou Center, this gem is easy to miss. This church is dedicated to Medericus, the 8th-century abbot of the Abbey of Moutier-Saint-Jean, also known as "Merry," who is considered the patron saint of the right bank of the Seine River. The current church was built between 1500 and 1550 in a typical Gothic style. Due to its similar layout to Notre-Dame de Paris, it's nicknamed the "Little Notre-Dame." Today, the church still serves as a place of worship, allowing visitors to intimately experience local life. ⭐ Highlights: Gothic architecture enthusiasts will be thrilled by the vaults and sculptures, which are incredibly beautiful. The nave's stained glass windows date back to the early 16th century and are exquisitely delicate. 📸 The pulpit is a work by René-Michel Slodtz, made in 1753. The organ was rebuilt in 1781 by the famous organ builder Cliquot. The bell tower houses the oldest bell in Paris, cast in 1331 and preserved to this day. Every Sunday at 4 PM, there is a free concert open to tourists (I happened to attend a piano performance; I didn't understand it, but I enjoyed the sense of ceremony). 🚇 Metro: 'Châtelet' station, RueSaint-Martin exit Walk 270 meters in the north direction (also towards the Pompidou Art Center) ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:00--18:00 🎫 Admission: Free #ArtAndArchitecture #Paris #SaintMerriChurch #ParisChurches #FranceTravelGuide #FranceFreeTravel #ParisOffTheBeatenPath