Saint-Augustin Church: Baltard’s great dome in the 8th
By Rédaction My Sweet Paris · Published 15 October 2026
Saint-Augustin Church, on Place Saint-Augustin in the 8th arrondissement, was built by Victor Baltard between 1860 and 1871. Its great dome hides one of the first iron-framed church structures in Paris. Entry is free, about ten minutes' walk from Hôtel Concortel (estimate).
Why visit Saint-Augustin Church?
Designed by Victor Baltard, the architect of the Les Halles market pavilions, the church is one of the first large Parisian churches built on an iron frame, hidden behind stone. This choice removed the need for external flying buttresses. Its trapezoid plan fits a narrow plot along Boulevard Malesherbes, and its dome dominates the whole district.
What should you look at inside and out?
- The façade, with its frieze of Christ and the twelve apostles and its large rose window.
- The exposed cast-iron columns inside, rare in a church of that period.
- The eclectic style, mixing Romanesque, Byzantine and Renaissance influences.
- In front of the entrance, the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc.
The church is a listed historic monument.
When should you go and how do you get there?
The church is open every day; according to guidebooks, from 8.30 am to 7 pm on weekdays, with different hours at weekends. These hours are indicative: check with the parish, especially around services. Entry is free. From the Concortel, walk up rue Pasquier then Boulevard Malesherbes: about 10 minutes on foot (estimate). By metro, Saint-Augustin station is on line 9.
Nearby, carry on to the Expiatory Chapel or Parc Monceau. More ideas in Discover Paris.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Saint-Augustin Church?
The architect Victor Baltard, known for the Les Halles pavilions, between 1860 and 1871.
Is Saint-Augustin Church free to visit?
Yes, entry is free. Paid guided tours are offered by private providers.
What is special about its architecture?
It rests on an iron frame hidden behind the stone, avoiding external buttresses; it is one of the first large Parisian churches built this way.
How do I get there from Saint-Lazare station?
On foot in about ten minutes along rue de la Pépinière or Boulevard Haussmann (estimate), or by metro line 9 to Saint-Augustin.
Practical information
- Saint-Augustin Church, Place Saint-Augustin, 75008 Paris — about 10 minutes on foot from the hotel (estimate).
- Free entry. Indicative hours: 8.30 am – 7 pm on weekdays (weekends vary); check with the parish.
- Metro: Saint-Augustin (line 9).
- Be discreet during services.
Read next
Sources
- Wikipedia — Saint-Augustin, Paris — 15 October 2026
- Le Routard — Église Saint-Augustin — 15 October 2026
- Paris Promeneurs — L’église Saint-Augustin — 15 October 2026