This great Gothic gem is located right around the corner from the Louvre. For me, it was like coming home. This is the home parish of several of my ancestors, including the one who carries my mother's family name, Jacques Bernier. There really isn't any of the 17th-century neighborhood he would have lived in left, so going to this church where generations of his family worshipped was of particular interest to me. I got quite emotional.
There has been a church on this site since the 5th century. The church is dedicated to St. Germanus of Auxerre (Burgundy), and since it was the parish church of the Louvre palace, I imagine that is why the rois was added to the name. It has played an important role in history, as well, and it was the sounding of matins by the bells of St Germaine that signaled the start of the St. Bartholomew massacre of the Huguenots. This is not a role they are proud of.
The current church dates from the 13th century and has had many, many restorations done on it. The porch that encircles the whole church and its balustrade are worthy of note and were added in the 14th century.
This church has seen many famous people pass through its doors, not the least of which is Moliere, who was married here. Coypel, Chardin, and Boucher are buried here, along with the sculptor Coysevox. I was anxious to find the baptismal font. Using my limited French, I managed to converse with a volunteer and ask if he knew the history of the current font. He didn't, and no liturature he had gave any inkling of its age. I was disappointed, but this is a lovely church to visit even if you don't have roots here. Pay particular note to the Stations of the Cross on the pillars. They are very modern-looking in such an old church, yet they beautifully link the past and the present. Take the time to visit the chapels that flank both sides; they are very attractive and contain some lovely statuary.