St-Gervais-St-Protais was our "neighborhood church" during a visit stay in Paris. We heard its bells several times a day and passed it frequently as we visited Paris. Its tall tower could be seen from far away.

There's been a church of some sort on this site since the sixth century. The current St-Gervais-St-Protais was built in the 17th century, in Flamboyant Gothic style, with other styles superimposed.

Another church known for its organ, St-Gervais-St-Protais hosted various members of the Couperin family over two centuries, the most famous being composer and organist François Couperin (1668-1733) . The organ was built in 1601 and enlarged in the 1700s.

St-Gervais-St-Protais (named for brothers and Roman officers who were martyred by Nero) is in the Marais on the corner of the Rue François Miron, site of two of the oldest houses in the Paris, half-timbered structures at numbers 11 and 13.

Today St-Gervais-St-Protais is affiliated with the Monastic and Lay Communities of Jerusalem. Their mission is "to live in the heart of the city, in the heart of God." They try to bring prayer to the city, at times that suit the schedules of working people: before the work day begins; at lunch time; and when returning home from work. Learning this schedule, we understood why the church bells rang throughout the day.

Métro: Hôtel de Ville or Pont-Marie
RER: Châtelet Les Halles

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