Saint-Eustache, Paris

In the center of the Halles district, the flamboyant and Gothic, Saint-Eustache Church offers an oasis of serenity. Its construction began in 1532 and was not completed until a century later. The classical facade that we see today was added in the 18th Century. The style of the north facade, with two stair towers is entirely Renaissance. The interior is an impressive 100 meters (328 feet) long and 44 meters (144 feet) wide. The stained glass windows date from the 17th Century. Several great moments in French history took place here including the baptism of Cardinal Richelieu, Louis XIV's first communion, and the burial of writer Molière.