Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is located within Paris's 6th Arrondissement along the Left Bank of the Seine, known for its classical architecture & bohemian character.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of Paris’s most iconic and historically rich neighbourhoods, located on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) in the 6th arrondissement. Known for its bohemian past, intellectual legacy, and chic Parisian vibe, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to capture the true essence of the City of Light. The neighbourhood takes its name from the Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, founded around 558 AD by King Childebert I. "Des Prés" actually means "of the meadows", and the abbey was given this name since it was built in fields outside the city walls of Paris at the time. The abbey was a major centre of learning and manuscript production throughout the Middle Ages and its church still stands today. In fact, the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the oldest churches in Paris, with its Romanesque tower dating to the 11th century. The area around the abbey developed as a distinct quarter, technically outside of the city limits of Paris, until it was eventually absorbed into the city in the 17th century. It attracted scholars, intellectuals, and students due to its proximity to the Latin Quarter and the Sorbonne.

By the 1700s, Saint-Germain had become fashionable among the aristocracy and intelligentsia, and following the French Revolution, it developed into an important literary and artistic neighbourhood. Writers, painters, and musicians were attracted by cheaper rents than the Right Bank as well as the area's intellectual tradition. The neighbourhood maintained its bohemian character while also housing wealthy residents in the grand Haussmannian buildings along Boulevard Saint-Germain, which were built in the 1860s-70s. Fast forward to the 1920s, and Saint-Germain would prove particularly alluring to the Lost Generation of American expatriate writers, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. In the 1940s and 50s, Saint-Germain became synonymous with existentialism, and esteemed intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir could often be found holding court in local cafés. Nowadays, the area remains prestigious and culturally significant and boasts an enviable culinary scene.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Paris
Pont Neuf
Built to ease traffic congestion in the early 17th century, this iconic five-arch bridge is Paris' oldest bridge.
Place-Dauphine
One of the prettiest, most peaceful locations in Paris, the square is a hot-spot for families, dog walkers and petanque players.
The Victory of Samothrace
The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a must-see in the Louvre: a paradigm of Greek beauty, the archetype of Hellenistic sculpture.
'The Coronation of Napoleon'
A painting completed in 1807 by Jacques-Louis David, the official painter of Napoleon, depicting the coronation of Napoleon I at Notre-Dame de Paris.
Place St-Michel Fountain
One of the city's most well-known meeting places, the statue depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil.
Paris Musee D'Orsay
One of the largest art museums in Europe, placed in the centre of Paris on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, installed in the former Orsay railway station, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world.

Related Tours

Flavours of Paris: Private Food & Wine Tour in Saint-Germain

If the best way to your heart is through your stomach, then the best way to discover the heart of Paris is through its food. Parisian cuisine is dynamic, intricate, and flavoursome, and taking a food tour is a fantastic way to find the best local spots to try quintessential French dishes in the company of a local guide well-versed in the city’s incredible culinary scene. This tour allows you to explore the picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Prés area while delving into the history of French cuisine and tasting a variety of authentic dishes from esteemed local eateries.

On your private 3-hour food tour, you will:

  • Discover the culinary delights of Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a local guide;
  • Experience the iconic sites and bites of this lively quarter; 
  • Learn about the history of Parisian gastronomy and how it has evolved over the centuries;
  • Sample a wide variety of dishes, including rich apple tart, freshly-baked baguettes and classy caviar;
  • Hear about the people who have made their mark on the neighbourhood from Hemingway and Picasso to cutting-edge chefs;
  • Uncover a hidden food court where you’ll sample baked goods created by one of the city’s most eccentric culinary artists;
  • Stop by a trendy néo-bistro to sample some of its fresh farm-to-table recipes;
  • Visit a historic fromagerie and get a crash course in French cheese;
  • Sip a classic Cognac or Armagnac at Paris’s oldest brandy shop and discover some lovely local wines;
  • Enjoy a decadent chocolate tasting.

Spend three delicious hours exploring the gastronomic heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a passionate local guide who will reveal the hidden gems of this historic Left Bank neighbourhood. Beginning in a lively square right at the heart of the district, this private tour can be enjoyed in the morning or afternoon, offering a perfect blend of culinary indulgence and cultural insight.

As you wander charming streets and historic squares, you’ll uncover the hallmarks of French cuisine, from its medieval roots to its modern innovations. Along the way, enjoy a carefully curated selection of tastings: fresh French bread, farm-to-table dishes from a local bistro, a distinguished assortment of cheeses from a renowned fromagerie, and locally raised caviar. Sweet temptations abound too, from rich apple tart to avant-garde chocolate, with seasonal surprises such as raisin rye bread, chocolate mousse, or caramelised pork belly. Pair your bites with classic French beverages, including Cognac or Armagnac at the city’s oldest brandy shop and carefully chosen local wines.

Between tastings, your guide will bring the neighbourhood to life with stories of famous residents, from Hemingway and Picasso to cutting-edge contemporary chefs, while pointing out historic buildings, hidden courtyards, and the elegant streets that give Saint-Germain its enduring charm. A visit to a tucked-away food court will offer a taste of Paris’ most inventive baked goods, and a stop at a trendy Néo-bistro will showcase the city’s ever-evolving culinary scene.

This tour is ideal for inquisitive travellers seeking a deep dive into Paris’ food culture, combining exceptional flavours, local expertise, and the rich history of one of the city’s most iconic quarters.

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