The Basilica to St Germaine was built in the 20th Century because so many pilgrims were coming here that the church
could not cope.
Statue of St. Germaine
Photograph by Eric le Jeu1
Nevertheless she was very pious and always did good deeds, even for those who were not kind to her … She is usually
depicted with flowers. Eventually, Germaine’s illnesses caught up with her, and the Lord took her to heaven, in 1601, at
the age of just 22.
Interior view of Basilique Sainte Germaine
(edited for perspective)
Photograph by Lily122
That was the end of Germaine’s story, or so everyone thought. But 43 years later, in 1644, a woman in the parish died.
She had requested to be buried in the church near the altar. When the workmen dug up the floor near the altar, which is
where Germaine was buried, they found Germaine’s body perfectly intact. Miracle upon miracle came about through her
intercession. A beautiful urn was created for her body, which is venerated inside the church to this
day.1, 2
Architectural Summary
Architects:
Date:
Style:
Pierre Esquié
1901
Roman-Byzantine
Basilique Sainte Germaine
Photograph by Christophe Ramos3
There is no question as to its purpose, with statues and pictures of St Germaine everywhere, lots of details about her
history and a photo montage of all the St Germaine representations in all the churches in all the surrounding areas. She
was a poor shepherd girl who lived from 1579 to 1601, dying at only twenty-two years of age. She had one crabbed hand and
was not well loved.
Death of St. Germaine
Photograph by Gabrielle le Jeu4
When the villagers heard about her death, they were devastated. Great pains were taken to make the day she died the
most memorable one of her life. Her body was brought, in solemn procession, to the church she loved so much, and she was
buried there.
Basilique Sainte Germaine
(edited for perspective)
Photographer: Unknown5
Statue of Sainte Germaine
Photograph by Gabrielle le Jeu6
References
Images
See Tabs: (Resources / Website / Image Resources) for common image sources.
