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Origin and history

Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois Church, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is one of the oldest religious buildings in the capital. Its origin dates back to the High Middle Ages, with a first church built around the 6th century, probably under the impulse of King Chilperic I or Saint Landry, bishop of Paris. Dedicated to Saint Germain d'Auxerre, it was first called Saint-Germain-le-Rond because of its circular form, then rebuilt several times after destruction, especially during the siege of Paris by the Vikings in 885-886.

In the Middle Ages, the church became a central place for the French monarchy, especially when the Valois settled in the Louvre in the 14th century. It was the scene of significant events, such as the wedding of Molière in 1662 or the outbreak of the Saint Bartholomew in 1572, his tocsin ringing the alarm. Its architecture, combining Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and neo-Gothic styles, reflects its multiple reconstructions, notably in the 15th and 19th centuries, with contributions by architects such as Jean Gaussel, Lassus, Baltard, and Théodore Ballu.

Under the Ancien Régime, Saint-Germain-l After the Revolution, where it served as a store and printing house, the church was restored and protected as a historical monument in 1862. Today, it houses major works of art, including 16th and 19th century stained glass windows, Flemish altarpieces, and a historic organ dating back to the 18th century.

The building is also known for its neo-Gothic campanile, built in the 19th century by Ballu to harmonize the architectural ensemble with the town hall of the 1st arrondissement, partially reproducing its facade. A symbol of the Parisian heritage, the church continues to play a cultural and religious role, welcoming Tridentine-shaped Masses and artistic commemorations, such as Willette's vow for missing artists.

Its interior, marked by controversial restorations in the eighteenth century, preserves medieval elements, such as the flamboyant Gothic nave or the chapel of the Virgin, richly decorated. The stained glass windows, partially destroyed during a fire in 2009, were replaced, while frescoes and sculptures, such as those of Amaury-Duval or Philippe de Buyster, bear witness to his turbulent history. The church remains a place of memory, linked to figures such as Danton, François Boucher, or Louis XVII, who made his first communion there.

Future

Since the Ancien Régime, it has been known as the "artist parish".

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