Saint Germain Des Prés

 

Here are three amazing things you can do around Saint Germain Des Prés

1.) Brunch at Les Deux Magots

Les Deux MagotsLocated just in front of the church this traditional café is an emblem of the first half of the XIX century. It has now become a real institution for Parisians. Go out there and you will definitely enjoy the Sunday morning brunch with freshly squeezed orange juice, French viennoiseries and the famous baguette on which you spread butter and jam…

2.) Paris Left Bank Walking Tour

view of ParisIf you join this free tour organized by locals, you will understand the spirit of the Left Bank and even more: the Left Bank way of life! If you are lucky, you may even spot some bobos -bohemian bourgeois- sunbathing at one of the numerous terraces of the neighborhood or on their way to the Luxembourg Garden’s playgrounds with their children.

3.) Stroll around the Luxembourg Garden

Luxembourg GardenThis “jardin à la française” located on the Left Bank of the French capital is the favorite spot of joggers, Parisians seeking a bit of coolness or people wishing to play tennis or “Pétanque” (Boule Game). Of course kids are welcome and will find many things to do there – seesaws, slides, miniature boats…

Insider’s tips:

  • Each year the jazz festival of Saint-Germain-de- Prés gathers every jazz and world music lover. It is really a must-do (it usually takes place at the end of May and beginning of June).
  • Do not miss Le Procope, although it is discrete, it is the oldest café in Paris (dates back to 1686): there you can eat traditional French food surrounded by historical manuscripts in a unique intellectual atmosphere.

Facts about Saint Germain Des Prés

Named after the St-Germain-des-Prés Church, the neighbourhood spreads all around, on both 6th & 7th arrondissements located on the Left Bank of Paris. This neighbourhood is legendary! It has largely contributed to forging the Parisian identity and the city’s international renown. Indeed, since the Enlightenment, St-Germain-des-Prés has been a place for intellectuals and for people to debate about politics and arts. For instance, the Café Procope, which is the oldest one in Paris, was the headquarter of revolutionaries…

But St-Germain-des-Prés is also about finding inspiration. Numerous artists have settled in this neighbourhood: writers, painters, fashion designers… In St-Germain-des-Prés, you can stand on the square Sartre & Beauvoir, taste the famous Rykiel Sandwich Club at the Café de Flore, and you may even chance upon Karl Lagerfeld, a real ‘germanopratin’.

Saint Germain Des Prés

Famous for all the universities in the area, the students of the neighbourhood often hang out in Saint-Germain-des-Prés! Even if it is now very chic and expensive, St-Germain-des-Prés remains as lively and showy as it has always been and one of the best places to go if you want to rock’ n’ roll!

Tara

Guide

How to get there

By Metro:
Stations St-Germain-des-Prés & St-Sulpice (line 4, fuchsia)

By Bus:
Lines 39, 63, 86, 95 & N02, N12, N13

  • 13 million visitors a year 99%
  • Incredibly detailed 80%
  • Contains hidden mysteries 70%

Near By

Macaroon

1.) Savour Pierre Hermé’s macaroons:
Do you know Ladurée? Well there is another pastry chef who brought back macaroons into fashion. It is located on Bonaparte Street, a few steps away from St-Sulpice Church. His macaroons are said to be the tastiest with a great variety of colours and flavors.

2.) Café de Flore:
The renowned Café de Flore is located in the corner of the Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Rue Saint Benoit. It is praised by tourists from all around the globe for its atmosphere and tasty dishes. Even though the prices may be steep, the Café de Flore is the place to see and to be seen.

3.) Georges’:
It is a great wine bar on the ground floor. However, do not hesitate to go down the stairs and dance in a very popular cellar of Saint-Germain. Frenzied rhythm and crazy atmosphere!

Why it’s worth visiting

  • In Paris, Saint Germain has a special aura. It became, in the XXth century, one of the most important centers of intellectual and artistic life of the capital.
  • It has a rich past and history.
  • You will certainly meet French public figures there (writers or other intellectuals, cinema stars…)