Souvenir Medal Monnaie de Paris 2020 - Vierge au Sourire (75)

The Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the oldest churches in the city, founded in the 6th century. It has undergone several architectural transformations over the centuries, combining Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical elements. Its facade, renovated in the 17th century, was designed by architect Jacques Lemercier. Once a major abbey, the church played a central role in the Middle Ages and later became an iconic gathering place for intellectuals and artists, especially in the 20th century, when it was at the heart of the existentialist movement and the artistic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Today, the church remains an important historical site and an active place of worship.