
It was in March 2015 that some construction workers found a huge medieval graveyard in the second arrondissement of the city. This discovery brought back the view of the city in the Middle Ages. Presently, there are so many sites in the city of Paris where you can encounter the medieval city. A few of such places are listed below.
St Germain l’Auxerrois
This site is situated in Place du Louvre in the 1st arrondissement of the city. It was originally a local parish church out of the city walls. King Robert in the 11th century made it a bigger church and the church underwent renewal even in the later centuries. But after the Middle Ages, the church was abandoned and eventually was used as police station, printing factory etc.
Palais du Louvre
The most famous Louvre Museum houses the world famous paintings and art works, today. But the present day museum was originally a fortress built in the 12th century for militaristic purpose. It was built to protect the medieval people in the city from the attack of the Northerners. The remains of a tower and the walls stand as a living witness even today. Though the museum today lies in the centre of the city, in the medieval Paris, the fortress stood at the end of the small city.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres Abbey
It was in the 6th century that Childebert, the son of King Clovis built this abbey. The papal association it had made it very popular and influential. It did not have an abbey or bell tower when it was constructed the first time. It was built to house the relics of the true cross and the building was modified in the 12th century. The Revolution destroyed much of it and only the remains are seen now which date back to the 11th century.
La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle
This chapel was also built with the purpose of housing the relics from the crucifixion. Built by King Louis IX, the building is a beautiful example of the Gothic architecture. The medieval glass work can be clearly seen in the stained glass windows. The architecture of the chapel still stands as an astounding work of the Middle Ages. The Conciergerie which is situated nearby, houses a medieval prison which is well known after Queen Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned here before sentencing her to death, during the French Revolution.
Other than the locations featured above, there are many more sites in Paris where you can see and feel the medieval Paris. Make sure you visit some of these during your private tours in Paris.