Saint Germain des Prés Church Celebrates 1000 Years

This month marks the millennial anniversary of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, the landmark which gives its name to the stylish district on the Left Bank of Paris. Originally founded as an Abbey in the 6th century by the son of Clovis I, Childebert I, the church was erected on the site of what had been a necropolis for the Merovingian kings. (“Prés” refers to the fact that it was built in “fields” outside of Medieval city-center Paris.)

The church in its current form is now 1000 years old, and its bell tower is the oldest in Paris. (The church suffered heavy damage during the French Revolution, and was extensively restored in the 19th century.)

This past weekend witnessed a big celebration for the church, complete with concerts, readings, and a sound and light show organized by a crew of devoted volunteers.

Restoration work for the church and its pretty murals is slated to begin in 2015. For more information, visit www.1000ans.org