Last Updated: February 11, 2021

For some reasons, the 19^th arrondissement doesn’t have the best reputation among tourists; they prefer to visit the most famous landmarks in Paris. However, there are beautiful hidden gems to discover in the nineteenth. Want to do something unique in Paris this weekend? Visit the Orthodox Church of St-Sergius. 

The St-Sergius Church (Eglise ‘Saint-Serge de Radonège’) is a Russian Orthodox church located near the Park des ‘Buttes-Chaumont’. It is probably one of the less known churches in Paris but well worth the visit if you are nearby. Ready for a trip to Russia?

A Brief History

The Orthodox church ‘Saint-Serge de Radonège’ was founded by Russian immigrants in 1925, after the Revolution of 1917. The Metropolitan Euloge wanted to open a second orthodox church in Paris, the Alexander Nevsky church being too small to welcome every Orthodox Christians during the celebrations. He also wanted to open an orthodox theology school to teach theology and form new orthodox priests. It is said that Euloge felt a great harmony while arriving on the hill where the church now stands, and felt the presence of God. In 1924, the day of Saint-Sergius’ celebration, one of the most important Saints of Russian middle ages, Euloge, bought the propriety with the help of the Russian orthodox community. The ancient protestant temple was transformed into an Orthodox Russian church. 

Since 2012, the Church has the title of “Religious heritage of the 20^th century in Ile de France”.

Our opinion

This church is a real hidden gem in Paris. It is totally off-the-beaten-path but well worth the visit. You cannot enter the church without appointment but the exterior is really beautiful and worth to be seen if you are in the 19^th district.

I don’t recommend it as a visit per se for a first-timer in Paris, but if you already have visited the main attractions, this orthodox church is an unusual attraction that you should put on your bucket list. It is located near the Park des Buttes-Chaumont so you can easily visit both places at the same time.

Price? Free – But if you want to enter the church, you must book by phone beforehand. Here’s their website.

Where? In the 19^th Arrondissement, near the Park des Buttes-Chaumont, on the top of the Saint Serge hill, at 93, rue de Crimée.

Access? Laumière station (Metro Line 5).

When? Every day. You cannot enter the church without a guide, except if you book beforehand. However, you might be able to attend a ceremony if you visit at the right time.

You visited this place? Share your pic on Instagram, mention @paris_kathmandu & tag #paris_kathmandu