Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre

We're now strolling past the Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, aka Saint Julian the Poor. It’s one of the oldest churches in Paris! It was built in 1165 on the ruins of an even older church destroyed by the Normans in the 9th century. Legend has it that one day, while hunting, Saint Julien le Pauvre came across a deer that told him that he would kill his own parents! That's right, saints hunt and deer can talk. What are you expecting? It's a legend, after all! In any case, to escape his fate, he left home to live far away. Years later, his parents, who'd been looking for him all along, stumbled upon his wife, who invited them to spend the night. Julien came home late that night and –guess what– he fulfilled the prophecy! He found what he thought was his wife with a lover and he ended up killing his poor parents. Overwhelmed by guilt, he gave up his worldly possessions and became a hermit. Some time later, he helped a leper who turned out to be Christ in disguise, and was forgiven for his sins. So, there you have it – the incredible story of Saint Julian the Poor. And remember, next time a talking deer crosses your path, you might want to listen!