Saints & Tombs Rue de Sevres, Paris, France

Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul)

1830 St. Vincent de Paul Feast, September 27

The burial place of St. Vincent de Paul.

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Plan your own visit How long to stay, how to get there, what to see, and what to bring. Travel guide

What happened here

The Story

The Chapel of St. Vincent de Paul at 95 rue de Sevres in Paris, the motherhouse chapel of the Congregation of the Mission, enshrines the relics of one of the Church's greatest apostles of charity, honored above its high altar in a silver-and-glass reliquary. Vincent de Paul was born to a peasant family in Gascony in 1581. Ordained young, he underwent a profound conversion through his encounters with the poor of France, and dedicated his life to their service. In 1625 he founded the Congregation of the Mission, priests and brothers known as Vincentians or Lazarists, to evangelize the rural poor and form the clergy; with St. Louise de Marillac he founded the Daughters of Charity in 1633, opening a new era of practical, organized charity in the Church. He died in Paris on September 27, 1660. Vincent was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737, and in 1885 Pope Leo XIII declared him patron of all charitable works. In April 1830 his relics were carried in solemn procession through Paris to the newly built motherhouse chapel on the rue de Sevres, where they remain enshrined; his bones rest within a lifelike figure of the saint. Tradition also connects the chapel's story to that of the nearby Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the rue du Bac, where St. Catherine Laboure, a Daughter of Charity, reported apparitions of Our Lady later in that same year, and where the saint's heart is venerated. Today the chapel remains a quiet place of prayer in the heart of Paris, visited by pilgrims devoted to the "Apostle of Charity" and by members of the worldwide Vincentian family, for whom it is a spiritual home.

How to read this account

Church Recognition

St. Vincent de Paul was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737 and named patron of all works of charity by Pope Leo XIII in 1885; his relics have been solemnly enshrined in the Vincentian motherhouse chapel since their translation in 1830.

Catholic Teaching

St. Vincent's shrine proclaims the Church's love of preference for the poor, in whom Christ himself is served (CCC 2443–2449), and the veneration of his relics expresses the communion of saints, who intercede for us and spur us to charity (CCC 946–962, 1674).

Go Deeper

Learn more through the worldwide Congregation of the Mission and the Vincentian family's resources on their founder; his collected conferences and letters remain in print, and the Catechism's treatment of love for the poor (CCC 2443–2449) illuminates his legacy.

Useful before you go

Plan Your Visit

The Pilgrim’s Quick Card

Ideal stay
Half Day Allow 2-4 hours for the tomb, church, and prayer
Best months
Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct Comfortable weather with fewer peak crowds
Nearest airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Best overall U.S. gateway
Language & currency
French · Euro (€) English availability varies; major shrines often assist
Feast day
September 27
Accessibility
Good Main worship areas are usually accessible; verify details

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Plan the trip

How Long Should I Stay? Half Day is a good target for a prayerful visit.

Half Day is a practical amount of time for Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul). Allow 2-4 hours for the tomb, church, and prayer.

  • Minimum: Half Day for the principal shrine or church and personal prayer.
  • Recommended: Half Day so you can include Mass, the main devotional focus, and time to explore without rushing.
  • Extended stay: Add a second day for a slower pace and nearby sacred sites.

Pilgrim Tip: Leave at least one unscheduled block for quiet prayer; pilgrimage sites often become most meaningful after the checklist is finished.

Best Time to Visit Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct usually offers the best overall balance.

Best Overall

Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct

Comfortable weather with fewer peak crowds.

Peak Periods

Major feast days, school holidays, summer weekends, and organized diocesan pilgrimages can bring larger crowds. Book lodging and transportation earlier if your dates overlap a major celebration.

For a Quieter Pilgrimage

Choose a weekday outside the busiest holiday period and arrive early in the day.

Feast Day

September 27 can be a particularly meaningful time to visit, but expect larger crowds and special schedules.

Pilgrim Tip: Always check the shrine calendar before booking; the most spiritually rich dates are often also the busiest.

Getting There From the United States For most U.S. pilgrims, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the most practical gateway.

Best Gateway: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

For most pilgrims traveling from the United States, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the most practical arrival point. Best overall U.S. gateway.

From the airport, continue toward Rue de Sevres, Paris by the most practical combination of rail, bus, rental car, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer. For remote shrines, a private transfer or rental car is often simpler than piecing together local connections.

Typical U.S. Routing

United States -> Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) -> Rue de Sevres, Paris -> Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul)

Our recommendation: Compare total travel time, not airfare alone. A slightly more expensive flight that removes a long ground transfer can make a pilgrimage much easier.

On the ground

Getting Around Plan around walking first, then use local transit or a transfer when needed.

A rental car is usually unnecessary for a visit centered on Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul). Rue de Sevres, Paris is best handled with walking, public transportation, and occasional taxis or rideshare services.

Use transit for longer city movements and walk the final approach when practical. Historic centers often have limited parking and traffic restrictions.

Good to Know: Allow extra time around major feast days, weekends, and large liturgies, when local streets and transit can be crowded.

Where to Stay Stay close to the sacred site or in the most walkable part of Rue de Sevres, Paris.

Choose lodging in the most walkable part of Rue de Sevres, Paris, ideally within a short walk or simple transit ride of Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul). That makes it easier to attend Mass and return for prayer without losing time in traffic.

Best For Pilgrims

  • Historic-center lodging near the church or shrine
  • Religious guesthouses when available
  • Hotels near a major transit stop
  • Accessible lodging if your group has mobility needs

Pilgrim Tip: Check the actual walking route, not just the map distance; old cities can include steep streets, stairs, or cobblestones.

Accessibility Accessibility is good; historic conditions can still vary.

The main worship and visitor areas at Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul) are generally manageable for most pilgrims, though historic thresholds, paving, or side chapels may still create barriers. Accessibility services and entrances can change, so verify current arrangements before traveling.

Pilgrim Tip: If mobility is a concern, choose lodging and transportation that minimize unnecessary walking.

What to do

Most Important Things to Do Focus on the sacred site, Mass, prayer, and the devotion that brought pilgrims here.

Venerate the Saint or Relics

Pilgrims venerate the relics of St. Vincent de Paul above the high altar of the chapel on the rue de Sevres, often pairing the visit with the nearby Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the rue du Bac; devotion peaks around his September 27 feast.

Allow: 30-60 minutes for prayer before moving through the rest of the site.

Attend Mass

If Mass is offered during your visit, make it the center of the pilgrimage rather than an add-on. Check the official shrine or parish schedule shortly before traveling.

Understand the Devotion

Read a short life of the saint before arriving, then pray for the grace to imitate the virtue most associated with that saint.

Explore the Church and Grounds

Look for the principal chapel, altar, crypt, museum, gardens, historic rooms, or pilgrimage route connected with the site. Allow another 45-90 minutes where available.

Pilgrim Tip: Arrive early or stay later than large tour groups when possible; the atmosphere is often much quieter.

Suggested Pilgrimage Itinerary A simple prayer-first plan keeps the visit meaningful without overloading the day.

Half-Day Pilgrimage

  • Begin at Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul) and spend time in quiet prayer.
  • Attend Mass if the schedule aligns with your visit.
  • Visit the principal shrine, tomb, relic, apparition site, or historic chapel.
  • Go to Confession when available.
  • Finish with another short period of prayer before leaving.

Have more time? Add Notre-Dame, the Miraculous Medal Chapel, or Sacré-Cœur.

Mass, Confession & Prayer Let Mass, Confession, and prayer shape the visit more than sightseeing.

When the church is active, Mass is the best way to place the saint's witness within the life of the Church. Confession, Adoration, and devotions vary by community.

Use the current schedule provided by the shrine, parish, diocese, or religious community shortly before visiting.

Pilgrim Tip: Avoid building your itinerary around an old fixed Mass time. Liturgical schedules can change seasonally and on feast days.

Practical

What to Bring Pack for prayer, walking, local weather, and respectful church visits.

Pilgrimage Essentials

  • Rosary
  • Small Bible or prayer book
  • Written prayer intentions
  • Journal and pen
  • Reusable water bottle

Practical Items

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
  • Small backpack
  • Portable phone charger
  • Modest clothing for churches
  • Payment card plus a small amount of Euro (€)

Pilgrim Tip: Pack lightly enough that you can spend the day walking and praying without managing unnecessary gear.

Before You Go Confirm the essentials before leaving and keep room for unhurried prayer.

Before leaving:

  • ✓ Check current opening hours
  • ✓ Check Mass and Confession information
  • ✓ Write down your prayer intentions
  • ✓ Confirm airport and ground transportation
  • ✓ Check the weather
  • ✓ Pack comfortable walking shoes
  • ✓ Confirm accessibility needs in advance
  • ✓ Carry appropriate church clothing
  • ✓ Leave room for quiet prayer

Most Important: Do not experience Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul) only as a historic attraction. Make time for prayer, the sacraments when available, and the devotion or biblical event that gives the place its meaning.

Additional Information A few practical details will make the pilgrimage easier and more prayerful.

Pilgrims venerate the relics of St. Vincent de Paul above the high altar of the chapel on the rue de Sevres, often pairing the visit with the nearby Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the rue du Bac; devotion peaks around his September 27 feast.

Official Information

Check the shrine, parish, diocese, or custodian's official website for current opening hours, liturgies, closures, and pilgrimage notices.

Currency

France uses Euro (€). Carry a payment card plus a small amount of local cash for offerings, small cafés, or local transport.

Local Language

French is the principal language for this destination. English availability varies, but major international shrines often have multilingual staff or printed material.

Religious Etiquette

Dress respectfully, silence phones during prayer and Mass, avoid photographing worshippers at close range, and follow any local rules around relics, tombs, confessionals, or restricted chapels.

Pilgrim travel note: Mass times, opening hours, costs, accessibility, and local conditions can change. Please confirm important details directly with the shrine and your providers before you travel. Travel Disclaimer

Travel with a group

Prefer to travel with a group?

No guided pilgrimages that include Chapel of the Congregation of the Mission (Tomb of St. Vincent de Paul) are listed yet. Many parishes and dioceses organize their own trips, so ask at yours.

We use this to ask Catholic tour operators to add trips.

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Information & sources

Mass times, admission and travel requirements change. Confirm them with the official source before you visit.

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From pilgrims who have been here

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