Saint-Germain-des-Prés

A visit to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in the historical center of Paris

Saint-Germain-des-Prés was for a long time the center of the intellectual life of Paris, the district was famous for its bookshops and its cafés where the artists could meet and remake the world. The big publishing houses were all located in the district. Today there are only a few bookstores left and the cafés attract mostly tourists. Saint-Germain-des-Prés remains nevertheless a district where it is good to walk with its many restaurants and its small stores.

Interest: ratingvery good (1 user)
Difficulty: difficulty
Duration: 2 h.
Departure point (Google Maps)

A bookstore

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A bookstore
The neighborhood was known as the district of writers and intellectuals. It boasted many independent bookstores, but unfortunately, they are gradually disappearing.

The Odeon Theatre

The Odeon Theatre
The Théâtre de l'Odéon is one of the most iconic theaters in the city. Since its opening in 1782, it has been the venue for numerous masterpieces of French theater, as well as a hub of artistic creation and cultural expression.

A pedestrian street

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A pedestrian street
It is very pleasant to stroll in the numerous pedestrian streets of the district (you must like the crowd).

The restaurants

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The restaurants
You can find many restaurants in the area.

Le Café de Flore

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Le Café de Flore
Simone de Beauvoir was a regular figure at Café de Flore in the 1940s and 1950s, where she often met Jean-Paul Sartre and other intellectuals of the time. The café became an emblematic place for intellectuals and artists during this period, contributing to shaping the cultural landscape of Paris.

Les Deux Magots

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Les Deux Magots
Les Deux Magots is located right next to Café de Flore. Les Deux Magots has hosted figures such as Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. Its historical ambiance and iconic location make it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of Parisian literature and coffee.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church

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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, founded in the 6th century, is one of the oldest religious buildings in Paris. It is a gem of Romanesque architecture. This emblematic structure reflects the influence of Romanesque art in France and remains a remarkable example of Parisian architectural heritage

The interior of the church Saint-Germain-des-Prés

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The interior of the church Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Very nice interior with beautiful colors. A must-see

The Procope

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The Procope
The Procope, founded in 1686, is one of the oldest cafés in Paris. During the French Revolution, the Procope was a significant meeting place for revolutionaries, thinkers, and politicians.

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