There's no way that while wandering around Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter, you haven't stumbled across theChurch of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. But have you ever been inside? If you haven't already, take a look at this beautiful Parisian Romanesque church during the 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, held on September 20 and 21, 2025. It's the perfect opportunity to conquer this treasure close to the Latin Quarter in Paris.
First of all, a word of clarification.Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés is part of an abbey, known simply as Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its construction, dedicated to Bishop Germain de Paris, dates back toMerovingian times (558), as do many of Paris's churches. This makesSaint-Germain-des-Prés the oldest church in Paris!
The two partners commissioned the painter Hippolyte Flandrin to do all the interior decorations. With the help of other artists of the time, Flandrin drew inspiration from Byzantine and Roman art, as well as primitive Italian painters, to decorate the walls of theÉglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Paintings that can still be seen today!
Despite the early Gothic transformations carried out by its architects, theChurch of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has retained its charming Romanesque style- one of the few vestiges of this architecture in the whole of Paris!
Outside, the oldest bell tower in Paris (10th century) dominates the Saint-Germain district. Inside, the Romanesque nave and Gothic choir were painted by Flandrin in the 19th century, and the 21st-century renovation of the décor makes this church unique.
The Saint-Symphorien chapel, designed by Pierre Buraglio in 1992, is an example of how contemporary art can be integrated into the work of the past.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
Place Saint-Germain des Prés
75006 Paris 6
Prices
Free
Official website
www.eglise-saintgermaindespres.fr
