Paroisse Saint-Germain-des-Prés

One of the oldest in the city and the site of Rene Descartes' tomb located in the Latin Quarter.

Free admission, but it still functions as a church so be respectful.

The church was under renovation when we came. It is one of the oldest church in Paris. It is also the site of Rene Descartes' tomb.

It is free admission to go in. It is interesting but it is a very simple looking church inside.

The church has lots of history and was founded in the 6th century by the son of Clovis I, Childebert I (ruled 511-558). Very likely THIS IS the oldest church in Paris.

Yes this is church is listed as a historical monument.

The abbey church of St Germain is one of the oldest in the city - originally founded in the 500's most of what you'll see is early medieval (1100's) with later additions and restorations.

Inside you'll find the burial spots of early Merovengien kings plus one Rene Descartes. Lots of beautiful carvings too - I especially love the carved column based and headers featuring Middle Age designs. They often have concerts (some free) to enjoy, along with regular Masses.

The nearby area is fun to explore with plenty of famous cafes, buskers and nice shopping. On my last stop, I was able to buy sexy French fireman calendars for a small donation to the Pompiers. Good times!

The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés was a free and quick excursion in the Latin Quarter of Paris to breathe history and be mesmerized by a stunning array of architectural and artistic styles.

In 558, French King Childebert I founded the abbey in a simple meadow (prés) near the Seine (on the outskirts of medieval Paris) to protect a relic believed to be a wooden shard from the cross of Jesus Christ (known as the True Cross) and a sacred Tunic of Saint-Vincent. The relics have long since been lost and the church has gone through several upheavals and renovations; however, the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés remains the oldest church in Paris.

On the day Childerbert died (December 23, 558), the site was dedicated as Saint-Vincent-Sainte-Croix Basilica by bishop Germanus. In 754, the abbey was renamed to "Saint-Germain" as a tribute to the original bishop who is buried on site. Later, "des Prés" was added to distinguish the abbey from Saint-Germain-le-Vieux on the Ile de la Cité.

Invading Normans destroyed the abbey in 885-886; however, the abbey and church were rebuilt from 990 - 1021. Of course, over the years, it has transformed significantly. The iconic Romanesque tower was built in the 11th century and is a historic symbol for the entire neighborhood. The chancel near the alter was enlarged in the 12th century. During the 13th century, Pierre de Montreuil built the Gothic cloisters, Chapelle de la Vierge, refectory, and dormitory making this one of the most attractive and affluent abbeys of its day.

17th century restorations saw the vaulted wood ceilings beautifully painted while 19th century restorations added murals above the arches by Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin in 1840.

Louis-César de Bourbon, son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, was buried here, but even more famous is the tomb of philosopher René Descartes in the the Saint Benoit chapel. Until 751, all French kings of the Merovingian dynasty were buried here, too.

Today, the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a fully active church with far fewer tourists than Notre Dame. We didn't need a guide to feel the history or sense of spiritual nourishment; however there is a iPhone and Android guide available for a small charge. Free guided tours are offered at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Paroisse Saint-Germain-des-Prés may not be as famous or breathtaking as some Paris landmarks; however, it was just as historic and inspirational for me.

Such a beautiful Catholic Church. Too bad that it's under reconstruction when we saw it but planning on attending mass before going back to USA, October, 2019.

As a big fan of the social options in this area, I often went past this church and got to like it, almost without really being aware of it..somehow. Then one day I was a bit early for meeting someone so I just went and sat on one of the benches outside and took in my surroundings. Its yet another under appreciated building in Paris.


The current building took 24 years to build and dates back to 1014, but there was an Abbey on the spot before that dating back to 511.

I was not drwan to this church initially due to it's architecture. It was actually the eery statue of Saint Germain in the yard that drew me in. On an overcast slightly chilly day you look at the statue and then gaze to the tower above. Oldest church left standing in Paris? I can believe it. It doesn't have the noble qualities of the grander structures to religion but it's age definitely tells stories that are intriguing enough to study

We popped in here first, on what ended up being an impromptu tour of the churches of Saint Germain. I admired this stunning church while enjoying brunch at Bonaparte, and couldn't help myself from walking inside. This is the oldest church in Paris and its architecture is worth seeing. It was extremely peaceful inside, not to mention beautiful. Its worth popping into if you're in the area!

Beautiful church in Paris, this is an historic church in the Saint-Germain neighborhood.