Welcome to Saint-Germain-des-Prés! This lively Parisian neighborhood is filled with historic cafés, charming shops, and beautiful streets. From delicious treats to hidden gems, let’s explore the must-visit spots that make this area so magical.
Here are the must-see locations in the neighborhood:
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church
3 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church is one of the oldest churches in Paris, dating back to the 6th century.
Inside, you’ll find stunning frescoes and painted ceilings that were restored to their original beauty in recent years.
This peaceful landmark is rich in history and offers regular classical music concerts due to its excellent acoustics.
Highlights:
- Beautiful frescoes and historic architecture
- Regular concerts in an intimate setting
- Free guided tours
Website (In French)
Saint-Sulpice Church
2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris
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One of Paris’s largest churches, Saint-Sulpice is known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes by Delacroix and an impressive pipe organ.
Fans of The Da Vinci Code will recognize this church as a key location in the book. Its grand interior and peaceful ambiance make it worth a visit.
Highlights:
- Delacroix’s frescoes and the famous pipe organ
Fountain Saint-Sulpice
Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris
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This grand fountain is a landmark in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located right in front of the famous Saint-Sulpice Church.
Its four towering figures represent four French bishops, each famous for their work in the 17th century.
A beautiful spot for photos and people-watching, the fountain brings a touch of elegance and history to the bustling square.
Highlights:
- Ornate sculptures and historical significance
- Great photo spot with the church as a backdrop
Boulevard Saint-Germain
Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
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This iconic boulevard is the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, bustling with shops, cafés, and historic landmarks.
It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll, window shopping, and people-watching.
You’ll find luxury boutiques and some of Paris’s best-known cafés along this famous street.
Highlights:
- Vibrant atmosphere with shops and cafés
- Ideal for a classic Parisian walk
Luxembourg Gardens
Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
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These beautiful gardens are a green oasis in the heart of Paris. Created in the 17th century, they feature manicured lawns, flowerbeds, statues, and fountains.
The Medici Fountain is a must-see, and there’s even a playground for kids, making it perfect for families.
Bring a book or a picnic and relax like a local.
Highlights:
- The Medici Fountain and lovely sculptures
- Plenty of seating and shaded areas for relaxation
Café de Flore
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
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A legendary café in Saint-Germain, Café de Flore has been the favorite hangout of writers, artists, and intellectuals like Sartre and de Beauvoir.
Today, it’s a stylish spot to enjoy a coffee or croissant while soaking up the ambiance.
The terrace is ideal for people-watching, especially on a sunny day.
Highlights:
- Historic café with a lively terrace
- A classic Parisian experience with excellent pastries
Café Les Deux Magots
6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
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Café Les Deux Magots is a legendary Parisian café known for its history as a gathering place for writers and artists like Hemingway and Picasso.
Today, it’s a popular spot to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine while soaking in the ambiance of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
The café offers classic French dishes and an extensive drink menu.
Highlights:
- Historic café with a literary legacy
- Great for people-watching and enjoying a drink
Deyrolle
46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
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Deyrolle is a unique taxidermy and natural history shop that feels like a museum.
Established in 1831, it houses rare specimens from butterflies to larger animals in a beautiful old building.
It’s an unusual yet fascinating place to explore and perfect for those who love nature and curiosities.
Highlights:
- Exotic taxidermy displays and educational collections
- Feels like stepping back in time
Brasserie Lipp
151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
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This classic brasserie is known for its traditional French dishes and charming Art Deco interiors.
Opened in 1880, Brasserie Lipp has long been a meeting spot for writers and politicians.
Try the choucroute or steak tartare for a truly authentic experience in a lively Parisian atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Classic French brasserie atmosphere
- Traditional dishes and historical significance
Le Procope
13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
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The oldest café in Paris, Le Procope has been serving customers since 1686!
Voltaire, Diderot, and even Benjamin Franklin once frequented this café.
Its ornate decor and historic ambiance make it a fascinating stop for lunch or dinner in the heart of Saint-Germain.
Highlights:
- Paris’s oldest café with historical decor
- Famous for its coq au vin and other French classics
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris
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A must-visit for steak lovers! This famous restaurant has a simple menu: steak with their secret sauce and unlimited fries.
No reservations are taken, so expect a wait, but the delicious meal and lively atmosphere make it worth it.
Highlights:
- Delicious steak-frites with a secret sauce
- Classic French dining experience
Cour du Commerce Saint André
Cour du Commerce Saint André, 75006 Paris
This hidden cobblestone alleyway is a charming slice of old Paris. Lined with historic shops and cafés, it has a unique ambiance that feels worlds away from the bustling streets nearby.
You’ll find artisan shops, traditional bistros, and an authentic Parisian vibe.
Highlights:
- Charming hidden alley with historic shops
- Perfect for exploring and taking photos (check mine here)
Passage Dauphine
Passage Dauphine, 75006 Paris
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This peaceful, hidden passageway offers a break from the busy streets of Saint-Germain.
It’s filled with art galleries and boutique shops, perfect for a quiet stroll or discovering unique gifts.
Don’t miss the ivy-covered walls and beautiful courtyard.
Highlights:
- Quaint art galleries and shops
- Lovely for a peaceful walk and photos
Rue de Buci
Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris
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This lively street is full of cafés, bistros, and small shops.
It’s a great place to feel the neighborhood’s vibrant spirit, especially in the evenings when locals and tourists fill the terraces.
A perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying a casual meal.
Highlights:
- Bustling with cafés and terraces
- Great atmosphere for an evening stroll
Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris
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Known as the “Love Lock Bridge,” this pedestrian bridge offers one of the best views of the Seine River and the surrounding Parisian landmarks.
The locks are now long gone, but it’s still a popular spot for couples, artists, and photographers looking to capture a bit of Paris’s romantic charm.
Highlights:
- Stunning views of the Seine and Paris monuments
- Popular photo spot with a romantic vibe
Le Calife Seine Dinner Cruise
Boarding from Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris
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Le Calife offers an enchanting dinner cruise along the Seine.
Dine on gourmet French cuisine while drifting past iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.
The cozy boat and softly lit interiors make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- Gourmet dinner with stunning Paris views
- Romantic and intimate atmosphere
Officine Universelle Buly 1803
6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
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Step into Officine Universelle Buly 1803, a luxurious and beautifully vintage apothecary that offers an array of skincare products, perfumes, and wellness items.
With antique-inspired packaging and a unique in-store calligraphy service, Buly 1803 transports you to another era.
The shop is known for its natural ingredients and elegant atmosphere, making it a true treasure in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Highlights:
- Personalized packaging with hand-done calligraphy
- Unique products like fragrance stones and artisanal soaps
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
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Le Bon Marché is the epitome of Parisian luxury shopping, known as the world’s first department store.
This elegant space offers high-end fashion, gourmet foods, and unique home items.
Don’t miss La Grande Épicerie, a food hall with a vast selection of international delicacies.
Art lovers will appreciate the rotating art installations throughout the store.
Highlights:
- Beautiful architecture and luxurious shopping experience
- La Grande Épicerie’s gourmet foods
Website (in French).
Lupicia
40 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
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Lupicia is a Japanese tea house offering a vast selection of premium teas from around the world.
The Saint-Germain boutique includes a tea room where you can sample rare Japanese teas, as well as delicious pastries crafted by a Japanese pastry chef.
It’s a peaceful spot to unwind and explore the art of tea in an elegant setting.
Highlights:
- Wide range of Japanese teas and artisanal pastries
- Serene tea room with a minimalist Japanese design
Ladurée
21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
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Ladurée is famous for its colorful and flavorful macarons, and its Rue Bonaparte location includes a charming tea room.
You can savor these iconic French treats with a cup of tea or coffee in a classic Parisian setting.
Don’t miss the specialty macaron flavors unique to Ladurée, like rose and pistachio.
Highlights:
- Iconic French macarons in various flavors
- Cozy tea room for a sweet break
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
26 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris
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For chocolate lovers, Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse is a must-visit. This boutique offers handcrafted chocolates made from high-quality cacao, with rich flavors like dark, praline, and citrus.
Each chocolate is made with the precision and passion Alain Ducasse is famous for, making it a delightful stop for a treat or gift.
Highlights:
- High-quality, artisanal chocolates
- Unique flavor combinations and elegant packaging
Roger-Viollet
6 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
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Roger-Viollet is both a photo gallery and a shop, featuring a vast collection of historical and artistic photographs of Paris.
Founded in 1938, it’s an incredible place to explore vintage photography and purchase unique prints.
The gallery regularly changes its exhibitions, offering visitors a chance to see Paris through a different lens.
Highlights:
- Rare historical and artistic photographs
- Rotating exhibitions with Parisian themes
Website (French)
Librairie – Galerie Traits d’esprits
35 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
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Traits d’esprits is a delightful bookstore and gallery dedicated to comics, graphic novels, and illustration.
It’s a fantastic spot for art enthusiasts and comic lovers to discover both French and international works.
The gallery often hosts exhibitions, showcasing work by both famous and emerging artists.
Highlights:
- Wide selection of comics and graphic novels
- Art exhibitions featuring illustrators and comic artists
Musée Eugène Delacroix
6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris
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This intimate museum was once the home and studio of painter Eugène Delacroix.
It showcases his art, letters, and memorabilia, providing a unique glimpse into the life of the Romantic artist.
The museum’s peaceful garden is an added bonus, perfect for a quiet break after viewing the art.
Highlights:
- Delacroix’s artworks and personal artifacts
- Beautiful garden ideal for relaxation
Chez Papa Jazz Club
3 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris
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For jazz lovers, Chez Papa is a cozy club with regular live performances in an intimate setting.
Enjoy a drink, sit back, and listen to jazz bands perform everything from classic standards to more contemporary tunes.
Highlights:
- Regular live jazz performances
- Cozy atmosphere with great acoustics
Aux Prés
27 Rue du Dragon, 75006 Paris
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Aux Prés, a bistro by renowned chef Cyril Lignac, combines traditional French dishes with creative twists.
The cozy interior and relaxed vibe make it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh ingredients and innovative dishes with each visit.
Highlights:
- Seasonal French cuisine with a modern touch
- Cozy bistro ambiance perfect for a relaxed meal
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
