Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois

The tall, pointed gable of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois features a large rose window that faces directly toward the east facade of the Louvre. For centuries, this served as the parish church for the French royal family. When the kings lived in the neighboring palace, they crossed a narrow street to attend mass here. In August fifteen seventy-two, the church bell rang out to signal the start of the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre, turning this place of worship into the focal point of a religious slaughter.