Sunday, November 20, 2011

Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés


This ancient church built in the 12th Century boasts a romanesque tower and other treasures within.  Parts of the church remain from the 6th century beginnings.  It is undergoing a much-needed restoration to bring it back to its former glory.
 
Did you know that the heart of Descartes is interred here? 
The rest of him is at the Pantheon. 

The fantastic acoustics enhance performances of Gregorian chants,
 and the medieval surroundings make a haunting backdrop.

bon dimanche


Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
3, place Saint-Germain-des-Prés
75006 Paris
 

20 comments:

Malyss said...

I love gregorian chants! to hear them in such a place must be magic!
Have a nice sunday!

Joe said...

Haunting is indeed a very apt word to describe this photo.

this is Belgium said...

I have been by there a million times not realizing that part of Descartes, and his most important part at that, is there !! I will look at it differently from now on : Je pense, donc je suis !
bon dimanche !

Cezar and Léia said...

Oh gosh... Heart buried separate from body? Hmmmmmm... I hope to be in one piece when my time comes...
The two figures of the statue seem to be looking so seriously at something, I wonder what it is.
Nice shot.
God bless you!
Cezar

Virginia said...

I watched a young woman painstakingly cleaning a wall there once. I'm fascinated that in the 6th century they were able to build these huge churches with such fine acoustics!
V

Anonymous said...

I love gregorian chants and this photo. It is so beautiful!

Interesting info on the heart of Descartes. I wonder why they buried it separate from the rest of his body?

Kris

French Girl in Seattle said...

I believe this is the oldest church in Paris... and it shows. Good news about the renovation. Lovely shot, Genie. Hope you made the time for un cafe chez Flore while you were there (wearing black only and sunglasses, of course!) -- Veronique

Forest Dream Weaver said...

Beautiful photo Genie!
Bon dimanche,
Ruby

Starman said...

Bon dimanche.

Harriet said...

I read somewhere that the cloak of Pascal with his famous note pinned inside is also at this church, but I cannot remember my source. I once asked at the church about this and got nowhere -- perhaps they didn't understand my French.

Sylvia K said...

Superb capture and thank you, as always, for the wonderful information you include!

Sylvia

M said...

Would love to listen to Gregorain chants in that setting! What a historical delight!

Rob-bear said...

Gregorian chants, sixth century church.

That's a definition of awesome!

Bon dimanche, Genie.

winterludes said...

i didn't know descartes had a heart (i'm supposed to write LOL, so do i). this church is one of my favorite. hugs.

Randy said...

What a beautiful photograph.

Palomasea said...

Hauntingly beautiful indeed. And with Gregorian chants? wow..

A lovely week to you, dear Genie.
Bises,
- Irina

Alexa said...

What a beautiful (and evocative) shot, Genie! (This was also my parish church for a while, so thanks for this one.)

Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells said...

Great shot - as usual!
I hope you have a wonderful week Genie.

Joop Zand said...

Wonderful shot....very well done.

greetings, Joop

Louise said...

Oh I'm so glad to hear that it is being restored. I visited last year, and she really was looking dilapidated. I don't think I knew that about Descartes- poor fellow!