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Saint Germain l’Auxerrois, Paris – church of the Royals

Last updated on June 7, 2016 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

After walking all around the Louvre palace and Tuilerie Garden you might be exhausted. However I recommend oushing a little bit to discover the area's church and its colorful stained glass: Saint-Germain-L'Auxerrois.

Travel Guide Paris - Plan your visit to Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church

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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Saint Germain l'Auxerrois

First built in the 7th century nothing remains of the original church. Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was rebuilt many times. The bell tower is the only element remaining for the roman period (12th century). Its current overall structure dates back from the 15th century.

When the Nearby Louvre was still the royal palace, it was its church.​ During the French Revolution, the church was pillaged and used to store supply and a police station.

Its current appearance includes Roman, Gothic and​ Renaissance styles.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS

Getting to Saint Germain l'Auxerrois

  • located on place du Louvre
  • Metro line 1 station Louvre-Rivoli or Line 7 station Pont-Neuf

Visiting Saint Germain l'Auxerrois

  • Closed on Mondays
  • opened from 9am to 7pm (9:30 on Sundays)

Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois from outside

As I was walking around the Louvre Palace, I discovered this tower and its 2 surounding buildings from afar and was intrigued. This church had never been on my list but I am glad I entered.

The building on the left of the bell tower is the townhall for the 1st arrondissement:

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - facade 1

On the right side is the church:

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - facade 4

It has a striking porch with a rose window and a balustrade above which encircles the whole church (built in the 15th century by Jean Gaussel).

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - facade 3
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - facade 2

The belfroy

The impressive belfroy at the front is not the roman bell tower but the belfory of the townhall. I have spend quite some time staring at it and all its details. It is a beautiful tower.

Sadly I do not have a picture of the bell tower which dates from the 12th century and is the only portion that remains from the Roman building. 

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - tower 1
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - tower 2
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - tower 3
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - tower 4

Details of the entrance

The porch of Sait germain l'Auxerrois is heavyly decorated

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - entrance 1
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - entrance 2
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - entrance 3

Inside the church of Saint Germain l'Auxerrois

Inside the church, the nave is typical flamboyant Gothic style although the collaterals are double.

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside 1
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside 2
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside 3
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside '
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside 5
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside 6
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - inside 7

Modern stained glass

The church has many stained glasses from various periods because at some point some of them from the 14th century were replaced with white glass to bring more light. New ones were then added in the 19th century. All of them (covering 78m) are very colorful.

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 1
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 3

If you prefer classic stained glass, check out the amazing Sainte Chapelle.

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 4
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 5
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 6
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 7

As one was damaged, a modern piece was created to replace it:

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Stained glass 8

Organ

The delicate organ was originally order for the Sainte-Chapelle by Louis XVI and built by Clicquot.

It was transferred to Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois au 18th century, modified several times and rehabilitated in 2008 trying to conserve as much as possible from the original material.

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Organ 1
Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Organ 2

If you are interested in church organs, check out the one in Saint Eustache.

Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church, paris - Organ 3

Want to see MORE of FRANCE?

Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Paris  Travel Guide.

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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