Transfer to the Church of Saint-Germain-de-Charonne in Paris

History and visit to the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne Church in Paris

The Saint-Germain-de-Charonne church, a medieval jewel of the 20th arrondissement of Paris, stands proudly a short distance from Porte de Bagnolet metro station. Built in the 12th century, this church replaces a modest initial oratory, created by the inhabitants of the village of Charonne. For those arriving by plane, it is possible to join the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne Church by limousine from Orly airport, offering a majestic entrance into this place steeped in history .

The site is emblematic of the historic meeting between Germain and the young Geneviève de Nanterre, future saint, in 429. At the age of 6, she played a key role in the conversion of Clovis to Christianity, thus contributing to the adoption of Christianity as the state religion. Additionally, she was notable for her crucial role during Attila the Hun’s siege of Paris, using her supposed divine powers to save the city. These acts, although controversial, marked history and encouraged the expansion of the village of Charonne, leading to the construction of the church in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Despite renovations over the past 800 years, the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne church has retained its rustic and romantic charm. The neoclassical entrance opens onto medieval columns, and the interior reveals motifs dating from the Middle Ages. Today, this church is located in a district of Paris that has become trendy and lively, a notable change since its integration into the city in 1860. At that time, Charonne had no more than 600 inhabitants.

The cemetery adjacent to the church, sharing with that of Saint-Pierre in Montmartre the rare privilege of still being adjacent to a church in Paris, bears witness to medieval Parisian funeral practices. Among the graves, that of François Bègue known as Magloire stands out for its cast iron statue representing the old man with a cane and a rose. Born in 1750, Magloire was a colorful character in the capital, street actor and chiropractor, falsely claiming to be Robespierre’s secretary, hence the disappearance of the plaque on his tomb.

Charm and History around the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne Church

The doors of the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne church open onto rue Saint-Blaize, which was once the main artery of the village. Today, access to this historic route has been restricted for cars, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a small village, over a coffee or a meal in one of the establishments neighboring the church. This picturesque street is home to two lively café-theaters, La Flèche d’Or and Le Condor. La Flèche d’Or, with its artistic and community spirit, regularly offers evenings animated by live music. For its part, Le Condor occupies the site of a former café, L’Abadidon, perpetuating the tradition of cultural meeting places. Nearby, the Hermitage pavilion and the gardens of the defunct Château de Bagnolet, once owned by the Duchess of Orléans in the 18th century, add a layer of history to this district. The Saint-Germain-de-Charonne church, more than a simple religious building, stands as a meeting point between the past and the present, inviting you to discover a little-known Paris full of history.

Transfer to the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne Church in Paris

Located in the heart of the French capital, the Saint-Germain-de-Charonne Church offers convenient accessibility from the main Parisian airports. It is located at a distance of 39.4 km from Orly airport, facilitating the arrival of national and international visitors. For those landing at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, the church is located 32.4 km away, a direct connection via our airport transfer service  allows you to plan your transfer with ease. Additionally, for travelers coming from Beauvais airport, the church is accessible 117 km away, providing an opportunity to discover this historic gem of Paris regardless of your entry point into the city.