Saint-Roch Church: the “artists’ parish” on rue Saint-Honoré

Why is it called the “artists’ parish”?

Begun in 1653, Saint-Roch holds the graves of great figures: the playwright Pierre Corneille, the king’s gardener André Le Nôtre, the philosopher Denis Diderot and the painter Fragonard. It has remained linked to the arts, music and theatre ever since.

What is there to see?

• The Baroque nave and its succession of chapels, up to the brighter Lady Chapel.
• The funerary monuments and works of art lining the aisles.
• A free guided tour takes place on the second Thursday of every month at 3 pm, under the organ gallery (except during school holidays).
• In the evening, Wednesday to Saturday, the sound-and-light show Les Nuits de Saint-Roch (8.30 and 9.30 pm, until 20 February 2027, booking required).

When to go and how to get there?

The church opens every day from 8.30 am to 7 pm, outside services; entry is free. It stands at 296 rue Saint-Honoré. From the Concortel, head to the Madeleine and follow rue Saint-Honoré: about 15 minutes on foot (estimate). By metro, Tuileries (line 1) and Pyramides (line 14) stations are close by.

On Thursday 5 November, a strike day, the RATP expects normal metro service but disruption on RER B and SNCF trains: see our tips for getting around. Find Saint-Roch on our illustrated map, then walk on to the Palais-Royal Garden.