Église Saint-Germain des Prés

Église Saint-Germain des Prés

One of the oldest churches in Paris,

 and it has its own Métro stop.

I have featured this church many times before with historical details, 

but you might like to know that this is a Val d'Osne signpost (totem) 

and it was created in the 1920s with its luminous opaline globe to better

light the Métro entrances.  There are a few that remain. 

 How many have you seen?

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Germain des Prés

3, place Saint-Germain des Prés

75006, Paris

Église Saint Germain des Prés

Église Saint Germain des Prés

After reading many books on the history of Paris,

I am amazed that there are so many gorgeous stained glass windows left in the churches.

This sixth century church has had a close-up view of war and destruction.

Recent renovations are lifting layers of grime to reveal the beautiful interior.

bon dimanche



Église Saint Germain des Prés
3, place Saint Germain des Pres
75006, Paris



Le Violoniste

The Violinist

The sounds coming from his violin were clear and mesmerizing.  Asking permission for the photo, he nodded in return.  Clicking twice, I thanked him for his music, dropped a tip, and walked on my way as he gave me the hint of a smile.

I hope that all who passed this corner enjoyed a pleasant break from the noise of the street, replaced by the strains of Bach from this single violinist.

Métro St. Germain des Prés

in front of Église Saint Germain des Prés

75006, Paris

Église Saint Germain des Prés

 

 

 

 

Église Saint Germain des Prés

 

 

This 1,000 year old tower stands tall in the St Germain area.  The renovations inside and out are heartening with many visitors taking notice.

 

 

The first time I saw this church I thought it dark and depressing.  My recent visits reflect the interest of the congregation and the neighborhood.

 

 

 

bon dimanche

Église Saint Germain des Prés

3, place Saint Germain des Prés

75006, Paris

 

 



Église Saint Germain des Prés en novembre

Église Saint Germain des Prés

The Porch Tower

This 6th century church has seen more than its share of unrest, wars, and destruction.  It was originally the keystone of an important abbey complex founded by King Childebert in the 540s.  He created the Abbaye Saint-Croix-Saint-Vincent (as it was called then) to house two important relics he had brought back from an expedition in Spain.  By the mid-eighth century the abbey had taken on the local saint's name (Germain), with the suffix "des prés" indicating that it was out in the meadows beyond the city limits.  

Although nothing remains of the early 6th century church, this heavily-buttressed porch-tower was built around 1000.  The centuries of architecture and stories could keep a researcher busy for years.

bon dimanche

Église Saint Germain des Prés

3, place Saint Germain des Prés

75006, Paris

Église Saint Germain des Prés III

In November, blog friend Vreni (Vreni's Vienna Daily Photo) and I spent an afternoon visiting in Paris.  My Nikon had broken on my last day and I had only my very small point-and-shoot to record our sightings. 

We spent some time in Église Saint Germain des Prés, so very dark and ancient with its Gothic and Romanesque architecture.  We found this one bright scene beyond the church interior, a courtyard with bright pink (rose foncé) roses in bloom.

(Travel tip:  always have a back-up camera)

bon dimanche

Église Saint Germain des Prés

3, place Saint Germain des Prés

75006, Paris

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