Saint-Séverin, not far from our hotels, dates from the 15th century, but its incredible story goes as far back as the 7th century, with the death of a hermit called… Séverin! The building went on to be demolished by Vikings, reconstructed, and partially destroyed again by fire (and that’s only half the story). It’s now the oldest surviving church on the Left Bank of Paris.

We went down to see this amazing building and explore its history…

There are almost 200 churches in Paris, but not all of them have the long and turbulent history of Saint-Séverin. Initially a basilica erected at the spot used for prayer by a hermit called Séverin in the 7th century, the church was destroyed by the Vikings in the 9th century, then reconstructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, only to be partially destroyed (again!) by fire in 1448.

Over the following centuries, the building was modified numerous times (for example, several chapels were added), and after many years of being tightly penned in by neighbouring streets and buildings, these were eventually destroyed in 1907 to reveal the full beauty of the stonework.

The last change to the building seems to be some new stained glass windows installed in the early 1970s, but – unsurprisingly – the building requires endless work and almost constant renovation, especially on the paintings in the chapels, which have become engrained with dirt and dangerously damaged by humidity.

After having restored the lateral chapels of Sainte-Geneviève and Saint-Jean (both of which have paintings by Hippolyte Flandrin, one of Ingres’ most talented students) in spring 2022, the most recent restoration of the chapel of Saint-Séverin (both the interior and exterior) started last October, with a proper clean of the contemporary stained glass windows by Jean Bazaine continuing throughout early 2023.

All these restoration projects have bee possible through donations, and you too can contribute by clicking this link.

The entrance to the church (here) is a little hidden in the pedestrian streets of Saint-Michel, but it’s worth seeking out, as its history and interior are exceptional. Soon, with further restoration, it will be even more impressive!

Check out our photos, and be sure to go down and have a look the next time you stay at one of our hotels!

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The church of Saint-Séverin (here) is open Monday-Saturday from 9.30am-7.30pm (closed for lunch from 1-2pm) and Sundays from 9am-8pm (closed for lunch from 1-3pm)

Support the restoration of the church here

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