Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Welcome to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, arguably the most sophisticated and intellectually vibrant neighborhood in all of Paris. Located on the 'Rive Gauche' or Left Bank of the Seine, this district has for centuries been the home of…

We begin at the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris. Originally founded in the 6th century as a Benedictine abbey, it served as a royal burial ground for the Merovingian kings. …

Just across from the church stands the Cafe de Flore, one of the most famous dining institutions in the world. Dating back to at least 1887, the start of the Third Republic, this cafe became the unofficial office for some of the…

Adjacent to the Cafe de Flore is its great rival, Les Deux Magots. Named after the two Chinese wooden statues (magots) that still adorn its interior pillars, this cafe bills itself as a 'literary cafe.' It too boasts a legendary…

A short walk from the bustling boulevard brings us to the Place Furstenberg, often cited as one of the most charming and romantic squares in Paris. This quiet alcove feels like a secret garden hidden within the dense city fabric. …

As we head toward the banks of the Seine, we encounter the imposing dome of the Institut de France. This grand structure, built in the 17th century with a legacy from Cardinal Mazarin, is the home of five prestigious academies,…

To the south of the neighborhood lies the Jardin du Luxembourg, a 25-hectare oasis of green that has been a favorite of Parisians since the 17th century. Created by Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henri IV, the gardens and the…

As our exploration of Saint-Germain-des-Prés comes to an end, I hope you have felt the unique 'timeless elegance' that defines this neighborhood. From the 6th-century stones of the abbey to the 20th-century debates of the Cafe de…