Diving into the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
A Journey to the Iconic Quarter
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, is a neighborhood rich in history and culture. A vibrant area during the French Revolution, an intellectual and artistic center in the 1940s and 1950s, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is renowned for its cafes, art galleries, and trendy boutiques. Here are some must-visit places to fully enjoy your visit to this iconic neighborhood in the French capital.
Discover an original facet of the district by taking part in a guided walking tour of Saint-Germain-des-Préswhere history and modernity meet in an enchanting setting.
The historical and cultural attractions
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés church and the former abbey district
Here, you are in the heart of what we commonly call the Saint-Germain village. Built during the 6th century, this church is the oldest in Paris. It belonged to the important Saint-Germain abbey. Destroyed, rebuilt, bombed, restored many times... it has undergone numerous modifications since its construction. Its bell tower, dating back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest in France. The mural paintings inside, typical of Romanesque art, have recently been restored and alone are worth a visit to Saint-Germain.
After leaving the church, continue your visit by taking the rue de l'abbaye. This will take you back to medieval Paris, with its charming narrow streets. Not far away, the Place Furstenberg, a former roundabout for the abbey's horse-drawn carriages, is often described as the smallest and oldest in Paris. In one corner of the square is the last home of the painter Eugène Delacroix. This house, now a museum, is free to visit!
Saint-Sulpice church
Built between the XVII. and the XVIII. century, Saint-Sulpice church is one of the largest churches in Paris. It is almost as big as Notre-Dame! In fact, it was built with the aim of having a large church on the Left Bank. It houses some magnificent works of art, including frescoes by Delacroix and sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle.
Have you noticed that the towers on the façade are different? The first of the two, the one on the right, didn't please the architects. They asked another architect to design the left tower. It was more to their liking and it was decided that the right-hand tower would be demolished and replaced. The Revolution came and the tower was never replaced.
Art galleries
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is renowned for its many art galleriesThere are also a number of galleries that exhibit both contemporary artists and old masters. Not-to-be-missed galleries include Galerie Perahia, Hom Nguyen, Applicat-Prazan and Galerie Bayart.
Luxembourg Gardens
Just a few steps from Saint-Sulpice Church, head over to the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. Parisians especially love to relax there on sunny days. Whether it's for a nap, a picnic with friends, or a romantic rendezvous, any reason is good to enjoy this magnificent park.
In the 17th century, the state purchased the Duke of Luxembourg's mansion to build the palace for Queen Marie de Médicis, wife of King Henry IV. The Queen, of Italian origin, ordered the construction of an Italian-style castle. For this purpose, she invited the most renowned European artists of their time to decorate her palace. The gigantic canvases by Rubens, created at the request of Marie de Médicis, are now housed in the Louvre.
Good addresses that are both gourmet and cultural.
- Le Café de Flore This mythical café, frequented by intellectuals and artists of the 20th century, is a must-visit spot for a drink or to taste a typically Parisian dish.
- Les Deux Magots and the Brasserie Lipp, two neighboring cafes to the Flore, with late 19th-century art deco decoration.. are also known to be frequented by the Parisian elite.
- Le Procopelocated on the rue de l'ancienne comédie since 1686, is the oldest restaurant in Paris. The decor has hardly changed since the Revolution! Here you can enjoy tête de veau, a typical Parisian dish from the late 18th century.. .
- Le Comptoir du Relais French cuisine: this friendly restaurant (located not far from Odéon metro station) serves high-quality traditional French cuisine, made with fresh, local produce, including succulent meats. Ideal for lunch!
- The market on rue de Buci and the restaurants nearby This covered market is an emblematic part of the district, offering a wide range of local products and crafts. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the area. The picturesque family-run restaurant Le petit Vatel is our favourite. In the Rue Princesse, Rue Guisarde and Rue des Cannettes - particularly lively at weekends - you'll find plenty of relaxed bars. A charming district, perfect for having fun with friends and meeting new people!
A visit to Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a journey through the history and culture of Paris, with all its charms and good addresses. Don't hesitate to let your curiosity guide you as you explore the backstreets and hidden spots of this unique district!
Rediscover Paris from an original angle, far from the tourist trail
To enhance your visit to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, delve into the fascinating history of the famous Latin QuarterThe cultural heritage is immersive.
To discover a unique and romantic way to celebrate your stay in this picturesque district, check out our recommendations for spending an unforgettable holiday. An unforgettable Valentine's Day in Paris.
For an original way to discover Paris, enhance your stay by exploring Saint-Germain-des-Prés and round off your itinerary with a visit to a soothing stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin.
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