Saint-Germain des Prés Church

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés church is the oldest church in Paris. Its story started in the 6th century, when Merovingian king Childebert I (497-558), Clovis’ son, decided to rebuild the Sainte-Croix et Saint-Vincent basilica, to store relics and kings’ tumbs.

In 558, Germain d’Autun (496-576), bishop of Paris, consecrated the basilica during the inhumation of king Childebert.

In 576, bishop Germain was buring under the “portico” of Childebert I’s basilica. Many kings in the Merovingian dynasty were buried there, up until Dagobert (603-639).

In the 8th century, Germain’s remains, declared a saint by the people, were transferred in the basilica in 756.

In the 9th century, the Vikings spoiled the abbey during the siege of Paris between 885 and 887.

In 1000, under Robert II de France’s reign, nicknamed Pious Robert (972-031), abbey Morard started large renovation works on the abbey.

The abbey first reconstructed the tower, the nave, the apse and the Saint Symphorien chapel, certainly designed to honor the place where Saint Germain was first buried.

The nave, built in the Roman style, has a central bay separated from the aisles by square pillars with four allotted half-columns, with curved capitals which illustrate quite well the sober and vigorous art of primitive roman sculpture.

In the 12th century, the choir became too small and was rebuilt in 1144. Pope Alexander III (1105-1181) consecrated it in 1163.

The new choir has more modern avant-garde architecture, with a cross-vaulted ambulatory. It opens on nine circular chapels, with five cross vaults, modeled on a square.

In the 17th century, the Saint-Maur congregation (French benedict monks), recognized for their high level of instruction, brought great spiritual knowledge to the abbey. It became a parish.

In the 18th century, the Revolution seriously damaged the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. Outside the statues on the column of the porch were destroyed, whereas inside, copies replaced some capitals, which had been damaged. The originals are at the Musée national du Moyen Âge de Cluny, in Paris.

In the 19th century, many reparation works were made. Architect Godde was in charge of the first series of works, which solidified the building in ruins. The second one was under Baltard’s command, and centered on decoration, with paintings and new furniture for the church.

In the 20th century, the iron-forged gate was set to celebrate the 16th centenary in 1958.

In 1971, searches were made during the restoration works and revealed archeological vestiges, which allowed knowing the history of the place.

In 1992, a contemporary artist, Pierre Buraglio, handled the new renovations. He made sure to clean the stones so that they would regain their original beauty.

In 2012, the new altar was consecrated, and the choirs and the painting were renovated again.

Open everyday:
Mon-Sat: 8am-7.45pm,
Sun: 9am-8pm.

Open on: Jan 1st, Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension day, May 8th, Pentecost day, Pentecost Monday, July 14th, Aug 15th, Nov 1st, Nov 11th, Dec. 25th.

Rate: free entrance.

How to get there: 3 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris.
Métro line 4 Station "Saint-Germain-des-Prés".
Bus lines: 39, 63, 86 and 95.