The church of Saint-Séverin was one of the most magical places I saw during my Paris trip. Not unlike stepping inside a giant kaleidoscope, natural light filtering through the intricate panels of stained glass windows illuminate the church interior with a most vivid and prismatic gamut of unearthly colors. To say that I was mesmerized or flabbergasted by this visually arresting sight is putting it mildly.

(above) A visiting choir was halfway through their performance when we entered the church, filling the halls with their soothing, melodious hymn.

( below ) Bas relief sculpted into the walls – the church has been standing since the 11th century, making it some 8-900 years old at least.

Every last inch of the church is covered in antiquated artistry and brilliant craftsmanship – (above) a spiraling, palm tree shaped pillar near the deambulatory branches out into an elaborate framework of beautiful, dynamic lines that spread across the nave. (below) Light spilling in from underneath a door reveals an intricate floral design on the floor accomplished by tiny mosaic tiles, with relief too.

Saint-Séverin is located in the 5th arrondissement in Paris’s Left Bank, a stone’s throw away from the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company. If you’re visiting, do refrain from using flash photography to preserve the sanctity and natural quality of the light in the church.