Church of Saint-Germain

Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it was classified as a historical monument in 1862. Saint-Germain Church, a historic monument located in the town centre, underwent major works as soon as its construction was completed. Whether due to storms or natural aging, renovations are undertaken regularly. Built over two centuries, from 1150 to 1280, this church presents many architectural styles: late Romanesque for the original bell tower, Gothic for the construction of the current vessels, radiant Gothic for the choir.

About this building

The church bears witness to Romanesque and radiant Gothic art: a triple nave extended by a choir with its ambulatory and radiant chapels, high windows offering great clarity highlight the purity and sobriety of the Gothic style building. The church is currently being restored. In particular, twelve gargoyles on the bell tower, ten finely decorated capitals, a golden cockerel overhanging the spire and the three bells, cast in 1832, have been restored.

Key Features

  • Monuments
  • Interior features

Visitors information

  • Level access to the main areas
  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons

Choisy le Roy Cathedral

The cathedral, whose construction was decided by Louis XV, replaced the old cult building of the city which stood on the banks of the Seine and became too narrow. In 1966, it was raised to the dignity of a cathedral while waiting for the construction of the one in Créteil. Since then, it has retained the title of cathedral but not its function. Even today, it still retains traces of its originality: on the pediment of the south façade of the chevet, it bears the republican motto Liberté-Egalité-Fraternité (Liberty-Equality-Fraternity). The bell tower is abnormally low because King Louis XV did not like the sound of the bells. In the 20th century, a carillon was added to the bell tower playing the "Marseillaise" because Rouget de l'Isle was buried in Choisy. Louis XV and the Marquise de Pompadour attended mass from a small oratory with a tribune on the first floor of the choir.

Wikimedia Commons

Church of Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles

Built in the 13th century, the church was partly destroyed during the English invasions and then rebuilt in the 15th century. Only the foundations of the bell tower remain from the 13th century. The facade would even date from the 16th century, with its Renaissance portal. The building was consolidated in the 19th century by a major restoration operation.

Wikimedia Commons

Church of Saint-Rémi

Built from the 12th century on a rocky promontory overlooking the confluence of the Seine and the Marne, the church of Saint-Rémi bears witness to the history of the town. Today located in the town centre of Maisons-Alfort, opposite the town hall, the church is composed of two parts. The three bays of the choir and the bell tower are from medieval times (12th-16th century). In medieval times, the church extended eastwards. For unknown reasons, the eastern bays were destroyed and the double arch was closed at the back of the choir. The western part (nave, north aisle and sacristy) dates from the 19th century and was built in neo-gothic style with a classical façade.