Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is a Gothic church that once served as the parish church for the kings of France. For centuries, this historic building stood at the center of royal religious life, witnessing many important moments in French history.
A Place Marked by History
The church is perhaps most famous for its role during one of France's darkest episodes. On the night of August 23, 1572, the bell known as 'Marie' rang out from the church. This signal marked the beginning of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, when Catholic mobs attacked and killed thousands of Huguenots across Paris. The sound of the bell became a symbol of the violence that unfolded that night.
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois Today
Today, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is a peaceful and active parish church. It no longer serves royalty, as France has become a republic and the monarchy is a thing of the past. The church now welcomes ordinary people through its doors, continuing its long tradition as a place of worship and community in the heart of Paris.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain_l%27Auxerrois
