17th century etching of the Arsenal and Île Louviers in Paris by Pierre Aveline

Couvent Des Célestins

Couvent des Célestins Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Paris Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Couvent des Célestins, situated in the heart of Paris, represents a fascinating chapter in the city’s religious, royal, and architectural history. Once a prestigious medieval monastery and royal necropolis, the site today is marked by the Caserne des Célestins, home to the Garde Républicaine. Although the original convent no longer stands, its legacy survives through preserved funerary monuments, museum exhibits, and the rich urban tapestry of the Marais district. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Couvent des Célestins’ historical significance, practical visitor information, and tips for exploring its legacy in modern Paris.

Historical Overview

Graphite pencil drawing of a brick fireplace at Couvent des Célestins from 1845 by Eugène Grésy

Ancienne église des Célestins de Paris, corner of rue du Petit-Musc, IVe arrondissement, 1831 lead pencil drawing by Charles Ransonnette

19th century drawing of Caserne des Celestins cloister used as stables in Paris 4th arrondissement

Central projecting section of the street-facing facade of the former Caserne des Célestins de la Garde républicaine in Paris

16th century engraving of the Cloister of the Celestins in Paris

Ancient royal concession document by Charles VI authorizing water drawing from the Saint-Pol fountain to the Célestins convent in Paris, sealed with a double queue seal

View of the Célestins Theatre interior in Lyon, France with ornate architectural details and seating area

14th century limestone sculpted architectural console with two angels supporting a shield from the Couvent des Célestins in Paris

14th century limestone sculpted console from the Couvent des Célestins in Paris showing two angels supporting a shield with a Latin cross and sacred heart iconography

14th century sculpted limestone architectural console from former Couvent des Célestins in Paris, featuring two angels supporting a shield with Christian symbols

Historic courtyard of the kitchens of the Célestins Monastery in Paris, 19th century architectural drawing

Ancient courtyard of the Célestins Convent in 1845 showing medieval architecture and worn stone structures

Couvent des Célestins on the historic Turgot map of Paris

Drawing of Couvent des Célestins in 19th century Paris by François Alexandre Pernot using pencil, pen and black ink

Architectural sketch depicting notable old Paris landmarks including the Bastille, Ave Maria, Saint-Merri, Saint-Paul, the Clock Tower, Palais de Justice, the Celestins, Sainte Chapelle, Saint-Jean-en-Grève, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais, and the old Saint-Eustache portal

Architectural sketch of old Paris landmarks including Bastille, Saint-Merri, Saint-Paul, and Sainte Chapelle by François Alexandre Pernot from 1836

Architectural etching showing plan, section, and elevation views of the 14th and 16th century Célestins church and cloister

Etching print of Couvent des Célestins architectural details, Paris

16th century etching detail of the cloister in Couvent des Célestins Paris

16th century engraving of the Cloister of the Couvent des Célestins in Paris showing the general plan of the convent

General plan view of the cloister of the Celestins Convent, 16th century etching

16th century general plan view of the Célestins convent cloister in Paris, etching artwork

Detailed pencil drawings of the fronton of Les Célestins convent in Paris, 1867

Sketch of Les Célestins, remaining ruins in the courtyard of the barracks, Paris 1867, pencil drawing by Léon Leymonnerye

Historical pencil drawing by Léon Leymonnerye depicting two views of the Célestins convent courtyard in Paris, showing architectural remains as of 1867

19th century engraving of the Fontaine des Célestins at the Monastery of the Célestins in Paris

Etching of Couvent des Célestins showing architectural plans and elevation by Emile Edmond Ollivier, Jules Frédéric Bouchet and Albert Alexandre Lenoir, 19th century artwork housed in Musée Carnavalet Paris

19th century pencil drawing of Fort de la Tounelle, porte Saint-Bernard, les Célestins, Grand Arsenal, Saint-Marcel et Saint-Hippolite in old Paris by François Alexandre Pernot

Historical maps of Quartier de l'Arsenal in Paris from 1420 and 1773 with 1879 overlay

1845 ink drawing of Les Célestins Cour des Cuisines by Henri Chapelle

Historic sketch of Le couvent des Célestins in old Paris by François Alexandre Pernot

Louis d'Orléans kneeling before Death threatening him, detail from 16th century chapel of Célestins in Paris

La Mort menaçant Louis d'Orléans kneeling from the 16th century

19th century graphite pencil drawing 'Pan de mur' from Couvent des Célestins by Eugène Grésy

Lower part of a stone console from the former Celestins barracks, with decorative molding, eroded but recognizable

Lower part of a stone console from the former Celestins barracks, featuring decorative molding, eroded but identifiable, housed in Musée Carnavalet Paris.

Lower part of a stone console from the former Celestins barracks with decorative moulding, eroded but detailed architectural fragment

Fragment of the lower part of a stone console with decorative molding from the former Couvent des Célestins, Paris

1763 detailed architectural drawing of the Couvent des Célestins showing plans, sections, and elevations by an anonymous artist

Historic drawing of the Celestins Monastery portal in Paris 19th century

1840 pencil drawing of Portail des Célestins in Paris by François Alexandre Pernot

Tomb of Charles d'Orléans with intricate stone carvings

Historic drawing of part of Paris near the horse market, Faubourg-Saint-Victor, 5th arrondissement, featuring urban landscape with men and horses

19th century pencil drawing of part of the Celestins convent and the Arsenal in old Paris by François Alexandre Pernot

18th century drawing of construction yards and inland waterway transport in Paris at Île Louviers

Photomechanical illustration of Couvent des Célestins, historic 18th century convent in Paris

19th century steel engraving architectural plan and cross-section of the Celestins church and cloister in Paris

Origins and Foundation

The Couvent des Célestins was founded in 1352 under the patronage of King Charles V. The Celestine Order, established by Pope Celestine V in 1294, was known for its ascetic and contemplative lifestyle (armma.saprat.fr). The Parisian convent was built on land donated by Garnier Marcel and was strategically located near the Hôtel Saint-Pol and the Bastille, placing it at the center of medieval Parisian life (fr.wikipedia.org).

Architectural Development

Medieval Construction

Construction of the church began in 1365, heavily supported by King Charles V. The church, dedicated to Sainte-Marie, was consecrated in 1370. The convent complex included a church, cloisters, chapter house, and residential quarters, all bounded by key Parisian streets (armma.saprat.fr).

Renaissance and Later Modifications

The cloister was rebuilt between 1539 and 1550, reflecting Renaissance influences. In 1730, the convent underwent modernization while retaining its historical essence (paris-promeneurs.com). The church’s interior was adorned with armorial displays and significant funerary monuments, serving both spiritual and commemorative purposes.

Cultural and Historical Significance

A Royal Necropolis

The Couvent des Célestins was the second most important royal burial site in France after the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Princes, nobles, and high-ranking courtiers were interred here, including Leon V, the last Latin King of Armenia (en.wikipedia.org). The church’s heraldic decorations illustrated the intricate social networks of medieval France.

Intellectual and Artistic Influence

The convent was a center of intellectual activity, boasting a library and scriptorium that contributed to manuscript production during the Middle Ages and Renaissance (portail.biblissima.fr). Artistic works, including prominent funerary sculptures, underscored the site’s cultural relevance.

Decline and Transformation

Suppression During the Revolution

The convent was suppressed in 1770 as the Celestine Order declined. During the French Revolution, the site was desecrated, and many tombs were destroyed or looted (paris-promeneurs.com). Select monuments were preserved thanks to the efforts of Alexandre Lenoir (en.wikipedia.org).

Conversion to Military Barracks

After the Revolution, the convent’s buildings were repurposed as the Caserne des Célestins, which became the headquarters of the Garde Républicaine—a role it still holds today (Travel France Online).

Visiting the Couvent des Célestins: Practical Information

Site Status and Access

Today, none of the original monastic structures remain. The Caserne des Célestins (18 boulevard Henri IV, 75004 Paris) occupies the historic site and is an active military installation. Public access is highly restricted, but the exterior can be viewed from the street. Special open days, such as European Heritage Days in September, may offer limited guided access (Cultival; European Heritage Days).

How to Get There

Metro: Sully-Morland (Line 7) or Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8)
Bus: Lines 67, 86, and 87
Walking/Biking: Easily accessed from the Marais and Seine riverbanks

Tickets and Guided Tours

General Visits: The barracks are not routinely open to the public except for special events.
Guided Tours: Offered on select dates through Cultival, with ticket prices typically between €15 and €25. Tours last around 90 minutes and are primarily in French, with some English options available upon request.
European Heritage Days: Entry is free, but expect crowds during this annual event.

Accessibility

Exterior Viewing: The surrounding area is flat and accessible.
Barracks Interior: Due to its historic and military nature, some areas may not be accessible for those with reduced mobility. Contact tour organizers for details.
Nearby Museums: Musée Carnavalet and the Louvre are wheelchair accessible and house artifacts from the Couvent des Célestins.

Nearby Attractions

Place de la Bastille: Iconic site of the French Revolution
Marais District: Historic streets, cafés, and museums
Musée Carnavalet: Paris history museum with artifacts from the convent
Musée du Louvre: Home to funerary sculptures and architectural fragments from the Célestins

What to See: Museums and Remains

Musée Carnavalet

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays and holidays
Admission: Free for permanent collections
Highlights: Fragments, sculptures, and documentation related to the Célestins

Musée du Louvre

Hours: Open every day except Tuesday, 9:00–18:00 (Fridays until 21:45)
Admission: General adult ticket around €17; discounts available
Highlights: Medieval funerary art and tomb fragments from the Couvent des Célestins

The Caserne des Célestins and Garde Républicaine

The Caserne des Célestins, built between 1890 and 1895, preserves the layout of the former convent and is home to the Garde Républicaine. Guided tours showcase:

Salle des Traditions: Museum of uniforms, weapons, and the Garde’s history (Travel France Online)
Stables: Meet the elite horses and learn about their ceremonial roles (Paris Top Ten)
Manège Battesti: Historic covered riding arena
Main Courtyard: Blend of monastic and military architecture

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons, especially in July. Combine with a Marais or Bastille walking tour.
Booking: Reserve museum and guided tour tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Dress: Comfortable shoes and sun protection recommended in summer.
Photography: Allowed in public areas; restrictions may apply during guided tours.
Amenities: Restrooms, cafés, and shops nearby; museum facilities available.

FAQs

Q: Can I visit the original Couvent des Célestins buildings?
A: No, the original monastery was demolished; only the Caserne des Célestins remains, with limited public access.

Q: Where can I see artifacts from the Couvent des Célestins?
A: At the Musée Carnavalet and the Louvre Museum.

Q: Are there guided tours of the former site?
A: Walking tours of the Marais and Bastille often include the history of the Couvent des Célestins. Guided tours inside the Caserne are available via Cultival on select dates.

Q: Is the area accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
A: The exterior and nearby museums are accessible; some interior areas of the Caserne may not be.

Q: What is the Garde Républicaine and what can I see during a tour?
A: The Garde Républicaine is France’s ceremonial and security gendarmerie. Tours include the stables, riding arena, museum, and ceremonial courtyards (Travel France Online).

Summary Table: Essential Visitor Info

Aspect	Details
Location	18 boulevard Henri IV, 75004 Paris (site of former convent and present-day barracks)
Access	Exterior viewing only; interior via guided tours or special events
Nearest Metro	Sully-Morland (Line 7), Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8)
Museum Artifacts	Musée Carnavalet, Musée du Louvre
Admission	Free for outdoor area; museum fees and tour tickets apply
Accessibility	Area and museums accessible; some barracks areas may not be
Best Time	Early morning or late afternoon; September for Heritage Days
Facilities	Nearby restrooms, cafés, and museum amenities

Visuals and Media Recommendations

Exterior photographs of the Caserne des Célestins and Marais streets
Images of preserved funerary monuments at museums
Interactive maps of the Marais and Bastille districts
Virtual tours on museum websites

Conclusion

The Couvent des Célestins’ legacy enriches the historical and cultural landscape of Paris. While its physical structures have vanished, their memory persists through museum collections, urban landmarks, and the living traditions of the Garde Républicaine. By exploring the area, visiting museums, or joining a guided tour, visitors can connect with centuries of Parisian history. For more information, virtual tours, and up-to-date tips, download the Audiala app and follow our channels. Make your exploration of the Couvent des Célestins and Paris’s historic districts an unforgettable journey.