Why has Romanesque architecture almost entirely disappeared in Paris, and where can you find it?

While the capital is a proud exponent of Gothic architecture, it also had many Romanesque buildings before that. With the passage of time, however, the vast majority have disappeared... except for a few die-hards!

Romanesque architecture, which emerged in Europe between the 10th and 12th centuries, is characterized by barrel or simple wooden vaults, round arches, thick walls, few windows and light buttresses. In Paris, this style was strongly challenged from the end of the 11th century by theemergence of Primitive Gothic, whose technical innovations enabled taller, brighter buildings with pointed arches, ribbed vaults and more elaborate choirs.

Gothic monuments to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
From Notre-Dame de Paris to Saint-Denis Basilica, Meaux Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle, the Île-de-France region is the cradle of Gothic architecture. From world-famous masterpieces to the more discreet treasures nestled in the departments of Ile-de-France, discover a selection of monuments to visit and immerse yourself in the medieval art that shaped the region. [Read more]

Several factors explain the virtual disappearance of the novel in the capital:

Successive reconstructions: many Romanesque churches have been remodeled, enlarged, transformed into Gothic, Baroque or Classical styles, losing their Romanesque proportions and details.
Destructions: wars, fires, neglect, revolution - many buildings were damaged or destroyed, then rebuilt in the dominant styles of their time.
Urban planning: the expansion of Paris, Haussmannian breakthroughs and urban densification have led to the disappearance of older, less-valued buildings in favor of contemporary constructions.
Quality of materials and maintenance: limestone, wooden elements: some poorly maintained or fragile Romanesque elements have had to be replaced or removed.

Paris quickly became a showcase for Gothic architecture, with the Basilique Saint-Denis and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame overshadowing the Romanesque, which was perceived as more provincial and less prestigious. Yet, despite this almost total disappearance, some churches and buildings still retain Romanesque elements, often cohabiting with Gothic or more recent additions in the capital. Elsewhere, it's still easy to come across them, especially in regions such as the Charente!

The two Parisian churches that still bear their traces

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, the heart of the Latin Quarter
The beautiful church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been through destruction and reconstruction. Fortunately, it's still standing today. And it's one of the last vestiges of Romanesque art in Paris! [Read more]

The Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church, a jewel of Gothic style in Paris
Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is one of Paris' hidden treasures. One of the capital's oldest parish churches, it's well worth a visit. [Read more]