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Top 10 Things to Do in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Updated by Farah in February 2022
In Paris, we have world renowned landmarks such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, or Notre-Dame. We also have neighborhoods from which stem very specific atmospheres such as Le Marais, or Montmartre… And then, we have Saint Germain.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine. Even though detailed area limits can be drawn on a map, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is more than just a neighborhood. It is a state of mind, a historical heritage, and a personality, all of these combined.
Located right between the student Latin Quarter and the luxurious 7th Arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has now turned into a must-see area.
Before naming ten things that you should see there, here is a bit of information about Saint-Germain.
From Prayers to the Arts
When you walk the streets of Paris, it is hard to remember that the city was small and contained, for most of its 2000-year history. In fact, the Left-Bank of the Seine developed much more slowly than the Right-Bank, because, outside the city walls, many lands belonged to the Clergy, to abbeys, churches, convents and parishes. In the Middle-Ages, these were almost as powerful as some lords, and their lands were respectfully preserved.
Most of what is now Saint-Germain-des-Prés was, in these times, the lands of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The Abbey first appeared in the 6th century and it gradually grew through the Middle-Ages. It was located right outside the city walls, and a small village, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, formed around the fortified lands of the Abbey.
In the 14thcentury, the creation of the University, in the nearby Latin Quarter, started to threaten the so-far unquestioned power of the Saint-Germain Abbey. The Abbey then agreed to the yearly Saint-Germain Fair settling onto its grounds, thus contributing to the national visibility and notoriety of the Abbey.
The map show the St Germain area in the 15th century. The Paris city limits appear along the canal near Hôtel de Nesle and the fortified grounds of the Abbey are clearly visible outside the city…
However, its power soon started to decrease. Lots were sold one by one, and the village was slowly included within the Paris city limits, as the city grew.
On this 16th Century map by Turgot, St Germain is clearly shown as part of the now extended Paris City limits. The abbey is visible at the bottom right with its three bell towers.
From the 16th century on, the new neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés became important for intellectual life. Philosophers, writers, artists, and politicians gathered to discuss, exchange, and debate. Many editors settled there. The neighborhood is, still today, the place to be if you are a French editor. Also, many of the greatest figures of the French Revolution resided nearby and used to gather here.
Starting during the 19th century, the creation of soon-to-be legendary cafés and brasseries – such as Les Deux Magots – allowed for larger reunions and intellectual prosperity. Verlaine, Rimbaud or Mallarmé all had habits in the area. Artists and gallerists also soon stormed the neighborhood. The tendency amplified between the two World Wars, as new writers arrived and made some of the cafés their headquarters.
At last, after the Wars, the nightlife of the neighborhood exploded. Jazz lovers in particular made the area trendy again. The 4-square-kilometer area saw some of the most important names of that time spend some wild nights here. Among them were Juliette Greco, Boris Vian, Beauvoir, Prevert, Sartre, Camus, or Queneau…
Today the neighborhood has slightly lost its trendy side, but the remains of its past glory are still very present…
Here are 10 things for you to do in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
These are ordered geographically, from North (by the Seine) to South, to allow you to follow a sort-of itinerary…
Of course, you may also choose to book our Saint-Germain Tour!
1. Have a Private Tour at Paris Mint
Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons
The very official “Hôtel de la Monnaie”, commercially nicknamed “11 Conti”, located by the Seine, is home to La Monnaie de Paris (or Paris Mint in English). It is the government’s instance in charge of producing coins and medals. The neoclassical building is home to a museum, temporary exhibitions and can be visited on your own or with a private guide.
La Monnaie de Paris is one of the oldest companies in the world. It was founded in 864. Today, it is in charge of the coin production for euros, as well as the coin productions for more than 40 other countries’ official currencies.
More info :
- Before getting there, notice Rue de Nesle. This street is named after the former mansion “Hôtel de Nesle”, a rich private home in the early Middle Ages. The “Hôtel the Nesle”, and more specifically its tower, were known as the place where one of the biggest scandals in French history took place. Since it is slightly off-topic I won’t detail it here, but you can read all about it here. Hint : it involves adultery in the royal family and treason.
- Find out more about opening hours, visit specifics and ticket prices for Paris Mint here.
2. Dream of glory by the domes of The Institute and read at the Mazarine Library
Right by the Hôtel de la Monnaie is the beautiful Institut de France (Institute of France), amazingly built in front of the Louvre, across the wooden Bridge of Arts.
The impressive façade of Institut de France – Picture by Doods Dumaguing – On Wikimedia Commons via Flickr
Created in the 17th century, four – then five – groups of (supposedly) masters in their fields were chosen to represent, define and gather all knowledge on Arts, the French Language, History and Archaeology, and Science. They became the one reference in their field. Dissolved under the Revolution, these Academies were all reinstated under the umbrella-name Institut de France by Napoleon in the early 19th century.
It was only at this time that it was moved from the Louvre to this beautiful building – formerly a university College: the College of the Four Nations.
Today, the “Academicians” still gather on their subject. The French Academy is the most renowned. Their choices serve as reference in the rules of the French language.
They gather under the great cupola that you can see from the outside.
The reading room of Bibliothèque Mazarine (Mazarine Library) – Picture by Marie-Lan Nguyen – on Wikimedia Commons
Additional Info :
- The building can only be visited, for free, during the Journées du Patrimoine (Days of Heritage) on the third weekend of September, each year. Expect long waiting times.
- Only one part of the building is accessible year-round: the Mazarine Library. It is a beautiful library and the oldest public library in France. The Library is accessible from 10:00AM to 6:00PM every weekday, except Sundays.
3. Visit an Art Gallery in Northern Saint-Germain
The corner of Rue de Seine and Rue Jacques-Callot is the vibrant heart of St Germain’s art district – Picture by Guillhem Vellut – on Wikimedia Commons
The North of Saint-Germain-des-Prés mostly consists in narrow streets lined with art galleries and concept stores. Since their quality varies through time, depending on what they display, it is pretty hard to truly advise you on which to visit. However, since most are free to enter, I recommend picking a street and strolling until you find the one that best fits you.
As a general rule, be aware that Rue de Seine (especially its middle-section near the corner with Rue Jacques-Callot) is a great choice for art galleries. If you prefer antiques, rather choose to head to Rue Jacob.
4. Tour the National School of Fine Arts (limited dates)
The main yard at ENSBA – by Dalbera – On Wikimedia Commons
How could a place so centered on the arts not have an art school? The Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts (EBSBA) is a prestigious school for art studies. The elegant buildings were built – specifically to host an art school – over three centuries, on the remains of the former convent of Petits-Augustins.
Unfortunately, most of these buildings are generally closed to the public, even though you can admire the main yard and buildings from Rue Bonaparte. You may enter the Palace of Fine Arts (entrance on the Seine side) when a temporary exhibition is present – which is quite often. Visits are offered to the public, free of charge, during Journées du Patrimoine (September), Journées d’information (early February) or Ateliers Ouverts (last weekend in June). For the exhibitions at the Palais des expositions (13 quai Malaquais) and at Cabinet Bonna (14 rue Bonaparte), you can choose your entrance ticket between 2€, 5€ or 10€, it’s up to you!
5. Have a Romantic walk on small Rue de Furstemberg
Place Furstemberg – photo by ParisSharing – On Wikimedia Commons
Paris is known to be the city of love and a very romantic place. Of course, some areas – such as Montmartre – are very prone to dates and romantic walks. Saint-Germain-des-Prés can also be a very good option. The quieter atmosphere and village feel of its narrow streets are quite appreciable at dusk.
If you want to experience a truly romantic place – or if you need a stunning Instagram picture – I recommend you head to the small Rue de Furstemberg. Particularly quiet, this tiny street, starting Rue Jacob, terminates elegantly with a small square, in the center of which is a typical Parisian lamppost and four paulownia trees. The whole composition is quite visual.
More info :
- Painter Eugène Delacroix (famous for the painting Liberty Leading the People) lived on this street. There is now a very good museum dedicated to him. You can access it from the square.
- The museum is open Wednesday to Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and from 1:00 p.m to 5:30 p.m and you have to must book a time slot (due to Covid and European Health pass registration).
- Currently, the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix will be closed from March 1-15, 2022. It will reopen on March 16, 2022. Night opening until 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
- The price is 7€ for all, but access is free for some under the usual conditions (all under 18, or those under 26 years old (EU citizens only), job seekers, visitors with disabilities, etc…).
- Also note that there is a dual pass giving access to this museum and the Louvre for 17€ (if you purchase it at the Louvre, the Delacroix museum is accessible until the next day/ if you purchase it at the Delacroix museum, you must visit the Louvre on the same day. I recommend purchasing it at the Louvre in order to be able to take your time at the Louvre).
- At last, be aware the museum is free on the first Sunday of each month and on Bastille Day (July 14).
6. Admire the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church
The interior of the Saint Germain des Prés Abbey – by Diliff – on Wikimedia Commons
If you want to visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you cannot really miss what started it all! The Saint-Germain-des-Prés church is all that remains of the old Abbey. I won’t detail here the whole history of the church as it would require an entire article! Just keep in mind that, through its 1500-year history, the church was transformed. From the church of the 6th century only a few stones remain at the base of some walls. Most of the structure dates back from the 10th through 13th centuries.
Used as storage during the Revolution, it had to go through intense renovations in the 19th century. Check it out at 3 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés from Monday and Sunday between 9:30AM to 8PM and Tuesday to Saturday 8:30AM to 8PM.
More info :
- The church does not allow you to imagine the size of the former abbatial grounds. The lands of the Abbey spanned all the way across the current 6th and 7th.
- The former grounds were surrounded by a wall. Only one piece of it still stands and it is only visible from one very specific spot. Stand on the sidewalk in front on number 16, Rue de l’Abbaye and look across the square in front of the church. There is a building with an angel statue on the top. Behind the statue you can see a curved wall. This is the last wall standing from one of the towers of the Abbey fortifications.
- If you look at the front of the church, it seems it has been truncated on the right side. Well…it has indeed! Haussmann literally removed an entire part of the church to build the current Boulevard Saint Germain
- There were originally three bell towers. Two of them – the tallest ones – had to be taken down after the Revolution because there walls had been so damaged they were no longer safe.
7. Have a drink in one of the “Big 3” : Flore, Deux Magots, Lipp
As I previously explained, the fame of Saint-Germain partly comes from its cafés where intellectuals and artists gathered to debate. Among them, three have become legends. They all are located on Boulevard Saint-Germain, opposite the L’embacle Fountain and the Saint-Germain metro.
Have a drink at Café des Deux Magots or at Café de Flore, and try having lunch at Brasserie Lipp. These have turned into real institutions!
Café de Flore – by Parisecrivain10 – Wikimedia Commons
To be 100% fair, these places have become so renowned and historically impregnated that they have lost quite a bit of their former atmosphere. If you are looking for a typical Saint-Germain café, you should now head more into the smaller streets of the neighborhood. But one of those “Big Three” should be on your list at some point! It definitely is on mine.
8. Taste Saint-Germain’s delicate chocolate sweets
If there is one thing you might not expect at Saint-Germain, it is to taste chocolate. However, despite the whole city being a great destination for food, the Saint-Germain area has some of the most excellent – if not the best – chocolate and sweets stores and patisseries. Among the finest :
- Try the oldest chocolatier in Paris. Created in 1818 in this exact store, and serving the royal family throughout the 19th century, Debauve & Gallais are an unmissable of the neighborhood, at 30, Rue des Saints-Pères
- Feel like a kid and fill your bag with chocolate creations at Maison Georges Larnicol (132 Boulevard Saint-Germain, open from 9 AM -10 PM most days)
- Most chocolate stores are clustered in the same area (along Boulevard Saint Germain and adjacent streets between Mabillon and Odeon)
9. Look at Saint-Sulpice’s oddities
Saint Sulpice Church is one of the biggest churches in Paris and one of the main settings of Dan Brown’s bestseller, the Da Vinci Code.
Before entering look at the façade and its two different towers. Originally designed to be similar, the plans were changed several times, and the construction of the South tower was never finished. The lack of decoration and the holes used to hold the scaffolding are visible.
Do not miss the inside of the church, quite stunning, especially the Chapelle des Saints-Anges decorated with Delacroix’s paintings.
Notice also, the gnomon. The gnomon is a system comprising a line engraved in the ground, and an obelisk. Through the year, the much directed light of the sun hits the line at different locations indicating the date. Markers on the ground help identify specific dates such as solstices or Easter. The gnomon is given a much more legendary story in the Da Vinci Code but none of it is true.
Check it out at 2 Rue Palatine between 8 AM and 8PM every day of the week.
10. Have a secret drink at Le Bar
If you want good cocktails – even created just for you – in a very discreet and cosy place where most tourists will never disturb you, well, you should head to Le Bar…
Le Bar is indisputably the most hidden bar in Paris. The outside barely shows there is a bar inside, no communication is ever made from the bar management, and only very regulars come and enjoy long talks in this unique place. Also, the welcoming is very friendly and prices are not to complain about in this rather-expensive area of the French Capital.
Intrigued yet? Well, Le Bar is at 27, Rue de Condé and opens from 9:00PM from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Oh! And keep it to yourselves ;)
Bonus: More things to do in Saint Germain
11. Grab a snack or drink at Rue de Buci
Image sourced from Google Maps
On this notable small street, you can choose to dine and wine and have a good time at some of the best restaurants in the city such as at Maison Sauvage. This street also has some good pastry shops such as The Smiths Bakery and Maison Thevenin. Come for brunch here and try the croissants and finish off with some delicious eclairs, for instance.
Next, head to Paris Café or L’Atlas Paris, both breweries where you can even order oysters and you can even enjoy some live music. If you love wine, then Nicolas Buci is where you’ll find helpful and knowledgeable staff and you can take away some good wine as a souvenir!
12. Take a Long Break at some amazing Bookshops
Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons
If you’re a book lover then, look no further than the Saint German neighbourhood. It has tons of unique and quaint independent book shops such The Abbey Bookshop. You can even find some big names such as Taschen, Assouline and French publishing company Albin Michel‘s bookstore (pictured above). The company published 33 short stories, 4 novels and 1 autobiography written by Arthur Conan Doyle!
However, stroll the small streets of this neighbourhood to find interesting bookshops, including Księgarnia Polska, a bookstore with a wide selection of Polish language books. If you’re into stationery, then you can head to L’Ecume des Pages, beside Cafe de Flore, which has a good collection. If you’re into art and design, then head to Studio 7L near the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts (EBSBA) mentioned above. For rare books, head to Librairie Amélie Sourget, not far from the Odéon metro station or to Librairie Alain Brieux. Not far from this district, you’ll also find Paris’s most famous (internationally) bookshop The Shakespeare & Company!
13. Visit a Taxidermy Institution at Deyrolle
Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons
Located a bit north of the intersection of Rue du Bac and Bd Saint-Germain is Deyrolle, a taxidermy institution founded in 1831, but is now a shop. Inside you can find interesting fossils, insects such as butterflies and beetles & stuffed animals. Artists such as Salvador Dali and Andre Breton have visited the shop its past glory, obviously for inspiration and due to its unique subject matter. Even today, the institution collaborates with modern artists such as Damien Hirst.
Inside Deyrolle, Paris. Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons
The shops sells games, gift cards, postcards and pricy skeletons(!) of birds and even rare crystals, for instance. A curious interesting place for taxidermy enthusiasts, the Deyrolle shop offers nature enthusiasts collections of insects and shells, stuffed animals of all kinds, natural curiosities and educational material for teaching the natural sciences! It is open everyday from 10AM to 7PM except Sundays.
If you want to find out more about Saint Germain, we offer guided tours of the neighborhood! Learn more here!
