Saint-Germain de Charonne

Saint-Germain de Charonne, known locally as église Saint-Germain de Charonne, is a captivating historical gem nestled in the Père-Lachaise district on the edge of the Charonne district in the bustling 20th arrondissement of Paris. This charming church, with its rich history and unique architectural style, offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.

A Journey Through Time

The origins of Saint-Germain de Charonne are steeped in legend and tradition. Around the year 430, Saint Germain of Paris, then the bishop of Auxerre, is said to have met a young girl from Nanterre who would later become Saint Geneviève, the patroness of Paris. To commemorate this significant meeting, the local inhabitants erected a modest church on the hillside of the village of Charonne. The earliest church on this site dates back to the 12th century, but it has undergone several reconstructions since then, reflecting the passage of time and the evolving architectural styles.

The church was rebuilt in the 13th century and again in the 15th century, with its dedication taking place in 1460 by Guillaume VI Chartier, the bishop of Paris. However, a fire in the 17th century destroyed the west facade and two spans of the nave. The facade we see today was reconstructed in 1737, and a new entry was added on the south facade, marked by the date 1737 on the keystone of the entryway.

Before the village of Charonne was integrated into the city of Paris in 1860, Saint-Germain de Charonne served as the parish church for the village. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's rich history and cultural heritage.

An Architectural Tapestry

Saint-Germain de Charonne is a harmonious blend of architectural styles, with vestiges from the 12th century, such as the bell tower and its buttresses, seamlessly integrated with elements from the 15th and 18th centuries. The church's rectangular footprint and irregularly divided interior, featuring three vaults and four spans of the nave, create a unique and captivating space. The flat apse and the medieval bell tower with its four-sided roof add to the church's distinctive charm.

The entryway, designed in the classical style, is framed by two pilasters and a triangular pediment, providing a grand entrance to the sacred space. Some of the exterior walls are supported by flying buttresses added during the 19th century, further enhancing the church's architectural complexity. The support walls and the esplanade in front of the church were constructed in the 1930s, adding to the site's historical layers.

Due to its location on a steeply sloped layer of clay, the church has faced stability issues throughout its history. In 2009, significant cracks appeared in the masonry on the right side of the church, leading to its immediate closure. Large-scale stabilization work, employing the technique of jet grouting, was undertaken, preceded by an archaeological excavation. This excavation revealed a mass burial ground from the Carolingian period and a semi-circular chevet from the 12th century, along with 45 skeletons, half of which were of babies. The renovation project, which began in 2014, was completed in 2016, ensuring the church's stability for future generations.

A Historical Monument

On May 23, 1923, Saint-Germain de Charonne was classified as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. This designation ensures the preservation and protection of this remarkable site for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

The Church Cemetery

Saint-Germain de Charonne is one of only two churches in Paris, along with Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, to still be bordered by its old cemetery, as was common in the Middle Ages. The cemetery, believed to be as old as the church itself, offers a poignant glimpse into the past. It escaped the provisions of the decree of June 12, 1804, which prohibited burials within towns and villages.

The cemetery became a municipal cemetery of the village of Charonne in 1791 and was expanded in 1845 and again in 1859, increasing its capacity to over 650 graves in less than half a hectare. When Charonne was annexed to Paris in 1860, the cemetery became part of the same administration as the Père-Lachaise cemetery. During the demolition of an annex to the cemetery in 1897, nearly eight hundred skeletons were discovered, still clothed in military uniforms. These remains were identified as those of fédérés, soldiers who fought in the insurrection of the Paris Commune and were summarily shot and buried in May 1871. Their remains were reinterred in an unmarked mass grave along the south side of the current cemetery, where a commemorative plaque now stands.

In Popular Culture

Saint-Germain de Charonne gained fame for its prominent role in the final scenes of the cult film, Les Tontons flingueurs (The Gun-Toting Uncles). The wedding sequence in the film showcases the surrounding neighborhood of Paris, including the interior of the church. The left part of the painting by Joseph-Benoît Suvée, the Meeting of Saint Germain and Saint Geneviève, is visible in the background during the scene of the kneeling uncles. The very last scene of the movie, in which a car is blown up, takes place at the base of the stairs leading up to the church's entryway.

Saint-Germain de Charonne is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Paris. Its walls echo stories from centuries past, making it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting this beautiful city. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Saint-Germain de Charonne offers a unique and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression.