Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

**Exterior**

This is the Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, a place to see Neoclassicism and early Historicism. If it weren't for the small cross on the triangular roof, you might take its flat-looking Neoclassical front for the entrance of a temple. The chapel was built as part of a Lazarist monastery, and the building expresses the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul, who lived among the poor. As the name hints, the statue in the circle above the entrance is Saint Vincent de Paul himself.

**Monastery courtyard**

Look to the right of the entrance and you'll see a green door leading to the monastery courtyard. The atmosphere here is completely different from the entrance you first saw; it looks more like a typical church entrance. At the center of a symmetrical Neoclassical building stands a small, slim bell tower with a clock, and beneath it, in an arched niche, the figure welcoming visitors with outstretched arms is today's protagonist, Saint Vincent de Paul.

**Saint Vincent de Paul**

Vincent de Paul was a 17th-century French priest who devoted himself to helping the poor and caring for the sick and orphans. He is regarded as one of the greatest philanthropists in Catholic history, a priest for the poor. He didn't stop at charity: he built a systematic relief organization, bringing nuns out of the convent and into the streets and hospitals, and their work continues around the world today. He also founded the Congregation of the Mission, known as the Lazarists, and worked on rural missions and the training of clergy. You'll see traces of him in churches throughout this tour.

He earned enough royal trust to advise Louis XIII and the queen, yet is said to have valued helping the poor over political power. That's why he is revered as the patron saint of charitable works. The chapel's windows hold stained glass depicting his life, including his relief work for the poor, care of the sick and orphans, and missionary work.

**Reliquary and ceiling**

As this is a walking tour, we won't go inside, but the chapel is small yet full of sights, so here's a short introduction through photos. Even better if you go in yourself.

The chapel belongs to the congregation Vincent founded, so his remains are kept here. On the altar sits a huge silver reliquary, large for the size of the chapel, notable for its lavish silverwork and the angel sculptures that support it. You can climb the stairs beside the altar to see the reliquary up close.

For a place that houses a saint's remains, the church is surprisingly small and plain on the outside, but the interior is dazzling. One reason is the large silver reliquary; the other is the ceiling. A deep-blue background, gold ornament, star-like patterns and richly painted arches make it feel like a miniature Gallery of Maps at the Vatican.

**Pipe organ**

Above the chapel entrance is a pipe organ built by Cavaillé-Coll. Louis Braille, the inventor of braille, once served here as organist. A leading example of French Romantic organ building, it is still well preserved in much of its original form.

**Directions**

The next stop, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, is right next door, about four minutes away. Facing the façade, head out along the road on the left and, at the first intersection, cross to the left. Obey the signals and cross carefully. Enter the street between the two Le Bon Marché buildings on either side; the building next to the end of the left-hand store is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.