A convent church designed by François Mansart
It begins with the Order of the Visitation, founded in Annecy in 1610 by Saint Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. In the early 17th century the Daughters of the Visitation of Holy Mary settled in Paris on rue Saint-Antoine and had their church built between 1632 and 1634. The plans were drawn by François Mansart, one of the great architects of the 17th century, and the works were led by master mason Michel Villedo.
The church follows a centralised plan: a rotunda about 13 metres across, crowned by a dome, with chapels opening around it. It is often compared to the Pantheon in Rome, on a smaller scale.
From the Revolution to Protestant worship
The Revolution ended the life of the convent: its property was seized in 1790, the sisters were expelled in 1792 and the convent buildings were sold in 1796. Rue Castex was opened in 1805 on the site of the former convent. The church itself was kept.
As early as 1802, Bonaparte assigned it to Reformed worship. The former Visitation church became the Temple Sainte-Marie, today also called the Temple du Marais. It is protected as a historic monument.
What to see: the façade, the dome and the crypt
- The façade on rue Saint-Antoine, with its large round window above the entrance, where you can make out the emblem of the Order of the Visitation.
- The dome, topped by a small lantern, which can be seen from far along the street.
- The circular interior, decorated with pilasters, drapery and sculpted garlands.
- The crypt, under a circular vault carried by a central pillar, where the family of the superintendent Nicolas Fouquet had its burial vault.
A living temple today
The temple is the seat of a parish of the United Protestant Church of France. Services are held on Sundays, and the building sometimes opens to the public, notably during the European Heritage Days.
Good to know. Visits to the temple are limited (for example during the European Heritage Days): check with the parish before you come.
A view of history from the hotel
Hôtel de la Herse d'Or is at 20 rue Saint-Antoine, almost facing the temple. From some of our rooms, the dome and the façade are part of the view. To extend your walk, see our articles on the Hôtel de Mayenne, the mansions and their courtyards and the history of Le Marais.
Sources. Musée protestant (museeprotestant.org), Wikipedia (articles on the Temple du Marais), Mérimée database of the French Ministry of Culture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Temple Sainte-Marie?
It was the church of the Visitation convent, built between 1632 and 1634 to plans by François Mansart. It was assigned to Protestant worship in 1802.
Are the Temple Sainte-Marie and the Temple du Marais the same building?
Yes. The Temple Sainte-Marie, at 17 rue Saint-Antoine, is also called the Temple du Marais.
Can you visit the Temple du Marais?
It is mainly open for occasions such as the European Heritage Days and during services. Check with the parish before you come.
Where is the temple in relation to the hotel?
At 17 rue Saint-Antoine, across the street from Hôtel de la Herse d'Or at no. 20.