There is something special about Paroisse Saint Merry, located next to the Stravinsky Fountain. I walked in out of curiosity. The doors were wide open and there was no attendant. Seems like the church is open freely to anyone. There were chairs because it is a functioning church with services throughout the week. Without the sign, one might not have guessed.
For Saint Merry is a bit worn down. The windows let in quite a bit of light and the light illuminates the imperfections of the Gothic building. The place looks barren empty. Pigeons fly throughout and there was a beggar woman sitting quietly on the floor. Saint Merry welcomes all, even the poor. It was nice to experience Saint Merry, a complete opposite to the more famous churches Notre Dame, Saint Chapel, and Sacre-Couer. There was no line or pilgrimage. Just peace and a quiet refuge from the busyness of Paris. read more