It is very easy to walk along Boulevard St Germain and not give the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés a cursory glance. Afterall, in a city of grandeur and one that contains many magnificently ornated Gothic cathedrals, a small stone Romanesque church would have a difficult time competing.

The Tower of St-Germain-des-Prés

The Gothic choir of St-Germain-des-Prés

Windows designed by Flandrin

The church was built characteristically Romanesque, with thick stone walls, round arches, large tower, groin vaults, sturdy piers, Corinthian capitals, and latin cross floor plan, containing several chapels on the East end of the church. Nonetheless, the church also retain some early Gothic features, following renovations and additions, including flying buttresses and four-part groin vaulted roof.

The next time you find yourself passing by the area, why not drop in for a little visit. It is pleasant, silent, not overrun by tourists, and it’s free to enter. If there are performances scheduled, buy a ticket and marvel at the acoustics of the church.