Just a short block from the Seine, we came across the church of St-Germain l'Auxerrois. I knew it was there from a previous visit, and what a surprise it had been to discover it then! But Paris has surprises around every corner. It's like a treasure hunt, just walking through the streets.
This is the side of the church. You literally run into it coming up the Rue de l'Arbre Sec, and then at the church turn left onto the one-block-long street that runs toward the front of the building. The Gothic ornamentation and style are stunning. As it turns out, although this church as been renovated, and not always well, it is still considered a prime example of the Gothic style. You can read a lot about it
here. The translation is difficult to read in places, but the page is full of information.
The street next to the church opens out into the Place du Louvre. Just beyond is a wide space that was used as a military parade ground, and of course the east end of the Louvre itself.
I liked the sign and the reflections. It's called the Hotel le Relais du Louvre. "Relais" is "relay" or "post house," which makes sense when you look at the sign. What a history this place must have!
Here is the front of the church with its famous Gothic tower. On the other side of the tower, a district town hall was built in a pseudo-Gothic style. It's been said that this devalues the actual styling of the church, and I can understand that. I think that to the casual tourist rather than the student of architecture, it probably simply looks like a nice, cohesive pair of buildings. I'll think about that if I get a chance to go back.
Looking up into the ceiling of the porch of St-German l'Auxerrois.
The interior of the church taken from near the front entrance.
Near the transept.
Nice glass. I don't know its history.
More stained glass in St-Germain l'Auxerrois.
Just a short block from the Seine, we came across the church of St-Germain l'Auxerrois. I knew it was there from a previous visit, and what a surprise it had been to discover it then! But Paris has surprises around every corner. It's like a treasure hunt, just walking through the streets.
This is the side of the church. You literally run into it coming up the Rue de l'Arbre Sec, and then at the church turn left onto the one-block-long street that runs toward the front of the building. The Gothic ornamentation and style are stunning. As it turns out, although this church as been renovated, and not always well, it is still considered a prime example of the Gothic style. You can read a lot about it here. The translation is difficult to read in places, but the page is full of information.
The street next to the church opens out into the Place du Louvre. Just beyond is a wide space that was used as a military parade ground, and of course the east end of the Louvre itself.
I liked the sign and the reflections. It's called the Hotel le Relais du Louvre. "Relais" is "relay" or "post house," which makes sense when you look at the sign. What a history this place must have!
Here is the front of the church with its famous Gothic tower. On the other side of the tower, a district town hall was built in a pseudo-Gothic style. It's been said that this devalues the actual styling of the church, and I can understand that. I think that to the casual tourist rather than the student of architecture, it probably simply looks like a nice, cohesive pair of buildings. I'll think about that if I get a chance to go back.
Looking up into the ceiling of the porch of St-German l'Auxerrois.
The interior of the church taken from near the front entrance.
Near the transept.
Nice glass. I don't know its history.
More stained glass in St-Germain l'Auxerrois.
As we approached the front door again to leave, I took this photo of the pipe organ. Above it is stained glass, but you can't see it in this photo. Here are a lot more pictures of this magnificent church, St-Germain l'Auxerrois de Paris, in WikiMedia. 
2 comments:
Do you travel for a living? I can't believe the places you have been VERY Blessed you are! I googled columns and your site pooped up. I expected to move on after 2 minutes but the pics and info keep me going for 1 hour... Nice job..
Nice
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