In our neighborhood: Saint Germain des Prés and Saint Sulpice Church

In our neighborhood: Saint Germain des Prés and Saint Sulpice Church

EGLISE SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES

The Abbey was completed in 555AD and was at the time, one of the most important church in France.  In the ninth century, the church was ransacked by the Vikings and destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt around the year 1000, and severely damaged again during the revolution when the abbey was used as a warehouse to stock gun powder.  The church was renovated in the nineteenth century and restored to former splendor

  • Ten minutes walking distance
  • The church gave its name to Quarter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
  • Oldest church in Paris
  • Eleventh century belfry is one of the oldest Romanesque towers in France
  • Nineteenth-century frescoes in the nave by Hippolyte Flandrin, a pupil of the master Ingres
  • Philosopher René Descartes tomb in the Saint Benoit chapel

TIPS

Have a drink at famed “Café Flore”, attend a classical music concert in the church, walk to “Ladurée” macaron shop on rue Bonaparte, Walk further to beautiful cosmetic store “Bully”, Dine at fancy and trendy restaurant “La Société” decorated by Christian Liaigre

EGLISE SAINT SULPICE

The church was first built in 1645 and completed 100 years later. The interior is worth a visit. For fans of the Da Vinci Code, the church plays a big role in the book as it states that St. Sulpice is supposed to be the holder of the keystone that would lead to the location of the Holy Grail (a myth).

  • Ten minutes walking distance
  • Second largest church in Paris after Notre Dame
  • One of the world's largest organs (with over 6500 pipes) enjoy a half an hour recital after the 10 :30mass on sundays
  • Great work of arts : three beautiful Eugène Delacroix murals, twenty one chapels including the rococco Chapelle de la Madone
  • The meridian line, an astronomical instrument of the 18th century, used to study the planets and determine the date of Easter each year

TIPS

Walk down to rue Bonaparte and have a macarons at Pierre Hermé (our favorite macarons in Paris), shop on rue Saint Sulpice at Vanessa Bruno, Maje, or Liwan (best kaftans, linens, housewares, mostly created by Lina Audi, the Beirut-based designer). Have lunch or diner at the excellent bistrot “L’Epi Dupin” or go and have a soufflé at “Le Récamier”. Have a pizza or pasta at Pizzeria Positano on rue des Cannettes