St. Germain l'Auxerrois

These are images taken from St. Germain l'Auxerrois that arguably has the most impressive stained glass windows in Paris. These stunning works of art apparently survived the French revolution and several other threats to the building's integrity. The building itself dates as far back as the 7th Century and used to hold substantial political significance as the parish of France's monarchs who used the Louvre as a palace. This would have made St Germain l'auxerrois significant between the 12th to the 18th Century.

As a work of art and a sacred space - the building itself is quite stunning and has a beautiful side chapel that could work as a place of solitude or a corner to grab a moment of calm.

However, some historians are quick to note that the history of this still active parish has not been entirely positive - given that the ringing of its bell was a signal to set off the persecution and slaughter of Hugenots in 1572.

Nonetheless, appreciating this as a place that embraced within its walls historical figures such as King Phillipe Auguste, who laid the first stones of the Louvre as a monarchical residence - and Louis XIV (well, partly - given that he moved to VErsailles) gives this building some weight of history.

It also does not seem to be on the tourist trail. So, it's a a relatively peaceful place to visit and beautifully located in the centre of Paris, very close to the Seine.

http://www.saintgermainauxerrois.cef.fr/