Saint Étienne du Mont

The Basics

In addition to being an architectural gem, Saint Étienne du Mont is also home to the tomb of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Woody Allen fans may recognize the stone steps on the church’s northwest corner as aMidnight in Paris filming location.

Most tours of the Latin Quarter include a visit to the church along with other popular attractions like the Panthéon, Cluny Museum, Place St. Michel, and more. Unless services are being held, you are free to explore the church on your own.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Saint Étienne du Mont is a must-see for medieval history and architecture buffs.

• There is no admission fee to enter the church.

• This is a functioning church so visitors are advised to dress respectfully and keep their voices down when inside.

How to Get There

Saint Étienne du Mont is located within the Latin Quarter in Paris, just a short walk from the Panthéon. The church is easily accessed via the Cardinal Lemoine metro station (on line 10) and bus 89, which stops right in front of the church on Rue Clovis.

When to Get There

The Église Saint-tienne-du-Mont is open Tuesday through Sunday. Mass is offered daily and visitors are asked not to wander the church during services. Opening and mass hours vary throughout the year, so check the church website for a current schedule.

Saint Genevieve’s Shrine

Ever since allegedly saving Paris single-handedly from invasion by Attila the Hun in the 5th century, Saint Genevieve has been revered as the city’s patron saint. Sadly her relics were publically burned during the French Revolution, but a shrine remains in the Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont. Parisians still pray to Saint Genevieve in times of trouble and celebrate the saint each year on her feast day, January 3.

Ways to explore

In addition to being an architectural gem, Saint Étienne du Mont is home to the tomb of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Movie fans may also recognize the stone steps on the church's northwest corner as a filming location for Midnight in Paris.

Most tours of the Latin Quarter include a visit to the church along with other popular attractions, such as the Panthéon and the Cluny Museum. Unless services are being held, anyone is free to explore the church independently.

Accessibility

Owing to its historical architecture, Saint Étienne du Mont is only partially accessible to wheelchair users, who will need to enter through its side door.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, layers in case the church is chilly

What to wear

As with other churches, dress respectfully—cover knees and shoulders, and don’t wear revealing or offensive clothing.

Not allowed

Wandering in the church during services, being disrespectful or disturbing worshipers

Amenities

Guided visits, proximity to public transportation

Address

Saint Étienne du Mont is in Paris' 5th Arrondissement within the Latin Quarter neighborhood. It's easy to reach the church via public transportation, on foot, by bike, or using taxis and rideshare services.

Driving

Due to congestion, traffic restrictions, and limited or expensive parking, it is not recommended to drive to Saint Étinne du Mont. Use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

To get there by metro, take line 10 to Cardinal Lemoine or Maubert–Mutualité, or lines 7 or 10 to Jussieu. The church is also served by local bus routes, including the 47, 63, and 86.

Best times to visit

While specific hours vary, the church is generally open from morning until early evening (except on Mondays, when it opens from mid-afternoon). Expect weekdays to be quieter than weekends.

Best days to visit

Saint Étienne du Mont is open daily and hosts Mass and services every day. It may be best to avoid visiting as a tourist on Sundays, when a number of services are held.

Best months to visit

There is rarely a bad time to visit Saint Étienne du Mont, but expect it to be more crowded during the summer and winter high seasons.

Special events

In early January, a range of religious celebrations are held at the church to honor Saint Genevieve, Paris’ patron saint.