Saint-Germain abbey

Saint-Germain Abbey, in Auxerre

Saint-Germain Abbey is one of the major monuments of Auxerre, famous for its Carolingian crypts. The Auxerre audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this high spiritual place, built on the tomb of Saint Germain.

The Carolingian crypts with ancient frescoes

Saint-Germain Abbey was built on the tomb of Saint Germain, bishop of Auxerre in the fifth century, venerated throughout Christendom. An important centre of knowledge and spirituality in the Middle Ages, the abbey keeps an exceptional treasure: its Carolingian crypts, which shelter some of the oldest known wall paintings of France, dating from the ninth century. This vast ensemble, blending Romanesque and Gothic remains, chapter house and cloister, testifies to more than a thousand years of religious history. You discover it with respect, as a place of memory and faith.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the exceptional Carolingian crypts with ninth-century frescoes, among the oldest of France, as well as the Romanesque and Gothic remains, the chapter house and the cloister. Saint-Germain Abbey is a high spiritual place of Auxerre. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Saint-Germain Abbey lies in the heart of Auxerre, reachable on foot. The visit, notably of the crypts, has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary. It is a place of memory and spirituality: it is best to check the arrangements before coming and to behave there with respect.

Why is Saint-Germain Abbey of Auxerre famous?

For its Carolingian crypts, which shelter some of the oldest known wall paintings of France, dating from the ninth century; it was built on the tomb of Saint Germain.

Where is Saint-Germain Abbey?

In the heart of Auxerre, in France.