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.
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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:
On the right side is the church:
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).
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.
Details of the entrance
The porch of Sait germain l'Auxerrois is heavyly decorated
Inside the church of Saint Germain l'Auxerrois
Inside the church, the nave is typical flamboyant Gothic style although the collaterals are double.
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.
If you prefer classic stained glass, check out the amazing Sainte Chapelle.
As one was damaged, a modern piece was created to replace it:
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.
If you are interested in church organs, check out the one in Saint Eustache.
Want to see MORE of FRANCE?
Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Paris Travel Guide.
Colorful, don't you think?
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