A Guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
A Guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a historic neighborhood located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. You will find classic cafés, boutiques, patiseries, and art galleries here. The iconic neighborhood is filled with Parisian charm and should not be missed. While I am a Right Bank Lover, my husband prefers the Left Bank. Slowly, I have become more fond of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood over the years. After several visits to the neighborhood, I knew a guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of my favorite spots, was something I wanted to write for the blog.
Paris is a large, bustling city with much to do, see, and explore. You can stay in one arrondissement and be content experiencing each neighborhood as a local for a weekend or even a week.
Where Saint-Germain-des-Prés is Located in Paris
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is on the Left Bank of Paris between the Latin Quarter and the 7th arrondissement.
Where to Stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
I love boutique hotels and have enjoyed a few over the years. I recommend these as places to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs is located tucked away in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It is excellent for solo travelers, couples, or families. The hotel’s configuration allows for two rooms to be connected by one door for privacy. Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs has 138 rooms and has recently undergone a renovation. It has dreamy tiled bathrooms with Diptyque bath products and views of Parisian rooftops. For extra space, splurge for a Deluxe or Junior Suite, including a desk if you work remotely.
Villa des Prés is a boutique luxury hotel of just 34 rooms in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Use this as your home base as you discover the Left Bank of Paris, with many restaurants, cafés, and shops just outside the front door.
Relais Christine is a boutique hotel on Rue Christine tucked away from the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. In the summer, enjoy the beautiful courtyard covered in jasmine. The lobby has a working fireplace, an honesty bar, and a delicious breakfast buffet.
Where to Stay in Saint Germain des Prés
Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain is a personal favorite hotel of mine, and it is truly a home away from home with their service and attention to detail. This is also my husband’s favorite hotel when he joins me for trips. Enjoy an evening of jazz and cocktails at their bar, James Joyce for an evening. Enjoy the lobby and fireplace in the winter for a cozy place to relax. Warmer months allow for a meal or cocktail on the hotel’s exterior terrace.
Le Grand Hôtel Cayré can be found on Boulevard Raspail and is one of the newest hotels in the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood. Rooms have city views, and suites have Eiffel Tower views of Paris. I have not stayed here as it has newly opened, but I did pop in for a scouting visit last year.
Lutetia is a Palace Hotel (the only one on the Left Bank) filled with history. I have yet to stay here, but it is on my list. The hotel is located just across from Bon Marché and is ideal for Left Bank lovers. Enjoy jazz and classic craft cocktails at Bar Josephine to experience The Lutetia.
Save the Map Below for My Saint-Germain-des-Prés Recommendations
How to Get to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
There are a few key metro lines. Lines 4 and 10 on the metro will take you to the Odeon metro line or Saint Germain-des-Prés. You can also take the bus and use CityMapper for more in-depth directions and the exact bus. I love walking and think it is one of the best ways to see the city. You can easily cross the Pont des Arts in front of the Louvre museum and end up on the Left Bank quickly.
What to do in Saint Germain des Prés
Saint Germain des Prés is one of the best areas to spend an afternoon. Stroll the art galleries down Rue de Seine and stop for a glass of wine at the classic La Palette. It is one of the lively cafés in the neighborhood, and it offers great people-watching. Plus, it is open late for a nightcap after dinner.
Spend an Afternoon at a Classic Café
Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are two of the most famous cafes right next to each other on Boulevard Saint-Germain Des. You should visit one of these cafés at least once to experience the Paris classic café scene. They are classic cafés full of Paris’s rich history. You can expect lines to grab a table outside here, especially during peak times of the day. In the winter, their hot chocolate is a highlight. Try a Parisian breakfast of a café crème and a tartine at Les Deux Magots or a glass of wine in the evening. Either spot will offer an excellent place for people watching any time of the day. I love watching the fashion trends from a café terrace in any season.
Other classic spots in the neighborhood include Le Procope and Café Bonaparte on Rue Bonaparte just behind Les Deux Magots. Le Procope is known as the oldest café in Paris, rich in history and offering classic French menu items. Dine inside or on the cobblestone private terrace courtyard, perfectly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.
Café Madame is near Luxembourg Gardens and just across from Marin Montagut, a favorite spot for souvenirs. The shop is located on Rue Madame and is closed on the weekends, so plan accordingly.
Craft Coffee Spots in St Germain des Prés
I love the craft coffee movement in Paris. Coffee shops are popping up all over the city. Some coffee shops offer a great spot to sit and rest your feet with coffee between site seeing. Other spots are tiny kiosks offering only takeaway coffee, such as Café Nuances and Cody’s Coffee.
Shakespeare and Co. has a coffee shop just next door that offers coffee and pastries. The shop has seating inside and a small terrace outside with a view of Notre Dame.
Discover my favorite coffee shops in Paris with this Google Map.
Where to Eat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Chez Fernand on Rue Christine offers classic French cuisine in a picturesque dining room with red and white checkered tablecloths. The chalkboard specials are delicious and move quickly at the start of each service. Classics such as beef bourguignon are not to be missed. I love enjoying lunch here with a good book, journal, and wine.
Chez Bartolo is an Italian restaurant on a side street in Saint Germain des Prés that serves pizza and pasta.
Localino has been a favorite of mine for the past few years. Enjoy homemade fresh seasonal pasta in an intimate setting from Odeon and Luxembourg Gardens. Reservations are recommended. The tiny terrace offers a few seats facing the streets of Paris, great for solo diners, couples, and small groups.
Where to Eat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Brasserie des Prés offers homemade French classic recipes with seasonal local ingredients. Dine inside or outside on the terrace for lunch or dinner. This restaurant group provides seating for large groups, if needed, with reservations online.
Freddy’s can be found on Rue de Seine. It offers wine and small bites with a seasonal chalkboard menu. Seats can be hard to come by, depending on the time of day. It is great for solo travelers and small groups.
Café Varenne a perfect stop before or after the Rodin museum or the D’Orsay. Enjoy lunch inside this classic and cozy Parisian café or on the terrace. Don’t miss the chalkboard menu specials. (closed on Sundays)
Akabeko is a Japanese French fusion restaurant offering a tasting menu for lunch and dinner. Book a reservation here and enjoy a delicious, beautiful meal with incredible service. My husband and I had our birthday lunch here and splurged for the wine pairings. (they make adjustments for allergies and dietary restrictions)
L’Avant Comptoir has been a favorite of mine since 2013. The menu hangs from the ceiling and offers small bites, and a wine bar offers small producers. I love spending a late afternoon or solo evening here. The space is small, so expect to get to know your neighbors and strike up a conversation. Take the recommendations for wine and food from the knowledgeable and passionate staff.
The Google map here offers a longer list of favorite places to eat in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Paris Markets in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Marché Saint-Germain is a covered market in Paris that offers fruits, vegetables, cheese, and more. It is open daily except Monday. I loved discovering this little gem I had overlooked for many years. Grab a coffee at Le Café du Clown and enjoy it on their outside terrace, or take it to go.
Visit Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) is one of the most iconic parks on the Left Bank of Paris. The flowers and colors change each season with the landscaping. Luxembourg Gardens is beautiful year-round. In the early morning, you will find empty green chairs and a few visitors enjoying the garden, sitting near the fountain or running across the grounds. The gardens quickly fill up with visitors and locals. It is one of the best things to do on a sunny day in Paris.
Bring a picnic lunch and a good book for lunchtime. This is an ideal place for kids to burn off some energy. The park offers wooden boats for rent to push across the fountain and offers entertainment.
You can even spot the Eiffel Tower from the center of Luxembourg Gardens, one of my favorite views.
Where to Shop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Le Bon Marché, located on Rue de Sèvres, is a landmark Paris department store. Each floor has a dedicated specialty, from perfume and French beauty to luxury fashion brands for men and women. My husband loves the bottom floor for men’s shoes. Le Bon Marché does an incredible job with artistic displays and themes rotating seasonally. This is a must-stop during the Christmas season.
La Grand Épiciere is a grocery store owned by the department store Le Bon Marché. It is worth visiting to see the incredible French foods offered throughout the store, from chocolates, teas, and spices as souvenirs to their fantastic selection of meats, cheeses, and yogurts. The store also provides various French butter options that can be vacuum-sealed and packed for your trip home.
Marin Montagut offers a wide variety of giftable items for souvenirs. They are experts at wrapping glass and fragile items to be packed in your carry-on to bring home. I have purchased several of their small dishes and glasses over the years. You can also buy paper journals and tea towels that are much easier to pack. You can find Marin Montagut at Bergdorf Goodman, but the prices are much higher in the US.
Where to Shop in Paris: A Guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Hemispheres Tea Shop is a stunning French female-owned tea shop next to Café Varenne. It is the perfect spot to shop for a souvenir or bring a gift home for a tea lover.
Soeur, APC, Sandro, and Maje are all classic French clothing brands with Saint-Germain-des-Prés locations.
Social media has made Officine Universelle Buly popular in the past few years. The flagship location is on Rue Bonaparte, and it is worth visiting to see the beautiful French beauty products on display. You can monogram a comb or select a rose-scented hand cream or new Parisian perfume to bring home.
The original Diptyque boutique is located at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It truly is a beautiful display of candles and perfumes. The staff is friendly, warm, and happy to help you shop for the perfect scent.
Sézane has multiple locations in Paris. A small boutique on Rue du Bac offers women’s and a little men’s fashion. The store staff can help locate additional sizes at other Paris locations, including Le Bon Marché just down the street.
Museums to Visit in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Musée d’Orsay is a classic Left Bank Paris museum. It is an old converted train station with a beautiful interior that houses French art from the 19th century, including impressionist artists. It is a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon in Paris. This is one of my favorite museums to visit.
Musée Delacroix is a Paris museum tucked away in Square Furstenberg featuring the work of painter Eugène Delacroix.
Spa Locations in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a Facial
Biologique Recherche has a cult following for its facials and beauty products. Book a facial here just steps from the entrance of Luxembourg Gardens. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep during the treatment. I always do! You will want to bring your passport photo of your passport to take advantage of the VAT tax on their products.
Caudalie is a well-known French beauty brand sold in pharmacies all over Paris and the United States. Get personalized recommendations from their trained staff. Book a facial online; they fill up quickly, so you will want to do this before your trip. It is a great way to spend an afternoon in Paris between exploring museums and cafés. A new Saint Sulpice location is opening this Spring in Paris.
Oh, My Cream offers Clean Beauty products from various French and US brands. Book a treatment from their popular Tata Harper and Dermalogica.
Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain offers Codage facials and is open to customers who are not staying at the hotel as guests. The spa has a pool, fitness room, and treatment offerings. I had an incredible facial by Codage, and my husband enjoyed a massage with Codage and recommended it.
Free Persephone offers English-speaking manicures and pedicures with Manucurist green polish. Tell Lauren I sent you!
Buy The Paris Guide for More Favorite Personal Recommendations
P.S. Grab my Paris Guide for more inside tips on where to explore and favorite places to eat in the city of light. Available in a digital format and a printed guide as you explore Paris.
Looking to discover an off-the-beat-the-path neighborhood? Don’t miss my Guide to Montmartre.
Photos of me taken by Katie Donnelly Photography
*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci!
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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We stayed at Hotel Lutetia this past visit in Feb and it was spectacular (saw you wanted to try it). The staff is wonderful. We had a great view of the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed its evening sparking dances from our balcony. Bar Josephine has such a great vibe, cozy and chic, with live music Thursday-Saturday. Definitely check it out!
This is all so useful. I am so excited to visit Paris. You have made it easy for us Rebecca!! Thank you!