139 Saint Germain en Laye in the Paris suburbs: Saint Germain church. Don’t trust your sisters!

You probably thought Germanus of Auxerre was the saint this church was dedicated to, the 4th century bishop in Gaul, who personally confronted the barbarian King Goar. Germanus also went on an important trip to Britain, to preach against Pelagianism (a non-mainstream theology giving more free will to humans than most, and which was pushed out as the Church was streamlining theology at this time).

After he had died, in the 5th century, in Ravenna, and in accordance with what he had said he wanted, his body was brought back to Auxerre. Five young women were chosen to accompany his remains. Worn out by their journey, three of them died on the way, giving their names to the villages of Sainte-Magnance, Sainte-Pallaye and Escolives-Sainte-Camille. 

But in fact, no, it isn’t him. This church is named after another saint, Germain of Paris, 6th century bishop of the city.

The church is neoclassical on the outside, and inside you can find a series of painted Stations of the Cross, a wonderfully intricate pulpit, and a very chunky lectern indeed, as well as deeply coloured  stained glass. The sculpted “Jesus being taken from the cross” by Benedetto Antelami dated back to the thirteenth century and is well worth the visit, as is the 18th century painting of Christ’s baptism.

James II of England is actually buried in this church. He was king until sacked by parliament in 1688. He had a rough year that year. Hearing that an army led by William of Orange had invaded and was heading for London, he then got further bad news: his sister had joined the invaders coming to depose him. I hate it when that happens - always be wary of your sisters.