Near Gare St-Lazare in Paris there are two of Beautiful Churches with Vastly Differently Architectural Styles

Waiting for a train departure at Gare St-Lazare doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice valuable sight-seeing opportunities. There’s more to Paris than listening to impromtu piano players in the train station. The quartiers around train stations often provide intriguing architectural finds. Near Gare St-Lazare in Paris there are two of beautiful churches with vastly differently architectural styles: Eglise de la Trinité and Notre Dame de Lorette

Eglise de la Trinité

Located in the 9th arrondissement, Eglise de la Trinité (Church of the Trinity) was built between 1861 and 1867. It reflects both Italian Renaissance and Gothic styles.

The 213 foot tall bell tower is eye-catching amidst all the Haussmannian buildings.  At the base of the tower, you can see the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

In addition to the four evangelists, you can also see various aspect of the trinity reflected in the architecture. There are three statues, faith, hope and charity as well as three large arches on the front porch of the church.

Inside, the church’s dimensions are magnificent! 295 feet long by 115 feet wide 98 feet tall – magnificent. The gilt ornamentation sparkles in the lights.

Eglise de la Trinité

Eglise de la Trinité (Church of the Trinity)

The frescoes above the altar are my favorite part of the interior decorations

Eglise Ste-Lorette – another beautiful church near Gare St-Lazare

Wow – Eglise Sainte-Lorette, Notre Dame de Lorette,  is so incredibly different, architecturally, from Eglise de la Trinité and yet it was constructed during the same time period.  According to the literature, the original chapel here was destroyed in the Revolution. This new church which was to represent the rising of a “new athens” after the Revolution  is neo- Renaissance, also called Renaissance Revival, in style.

Notre Dame de Lorette

Four magnificent Corinthian columns support the facade of Notre Dame de Lorette

Inspired by Roman basilicas, the church has four massive Corinthian columns in front and other than that, was unimpressive in my eyes. However, inside it is a whole different story. I’ll start with the ceiling. Made of wood, adorned with gold, it is in the shape of crosses.

Cruciform ceiling

Looking down from the ceiling you discover and a sanctuary surrounded by murals which depict the life of the Virgin.

The choir, with its triumphal arch is my favorite part of the interior. I just love the murals and the cupola!

Cupola above the choir

Much like the Eglise St-Blaise in Vichy, I could sit in this church for hours, examining all the details. If you enjoyed this, you might also like to read about other churches in Paris.

Walking map from Gare St-Lazare to Eglise de la Trinite and Notre Dame de Lorette