The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district: mix of culture and French elegance
Saint-Germain-des-Prés… A name that inspires dreams from one end of the world to the other. This reputation stems from the period of its heyday when the district was frequented by the greatest intellectuals and poets. Today, this cultural ferment remains alive and shines through on every street corner, populated by numerous publishers, booksellers and art galleries. A refined institution, the neighborhood exudes a sophisticated atmosphere, in a very “Left Bank” spirit.
A bit of history…
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is built around its famous church. Attacked several times, it was destroyed during the Revolution before being restored. In the 20th century, the district became the intellectual and artistic center of Paris and was populated by numerous writers, artists, painters, sculptors and visual artists. It was not surprising to surprise Jean-Paul Sartre sitting at a table at the Café de Flore or Hemingway at Deux Magots… But also Boris Vian, Simone de Beauvoir or Jacques Prévert.
An intellectual soul
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district has retained its artistic soul of yesteryear. Its numerous small bookstores preserve literary treasures from the past. Not far away, in the 5th arrondissement, the landscape is marked by the presence of the most prestigious university in the world, La Sorbonne. It is surrounded by arthouse cinemas and small cafés which were the scene of fiery philosophical debates. To study, go to the legendary Sainte-Geneviève library and its splendid original decor.
A thriving neighborhood and alive
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is teeming with legendary cafés and restaurants, which have become true Parisian institutions. Fashion also plays an important role there and the biggest luxury brands have set up their stores there. A neighborhood that is both festive, creative and international, Saint-Germain-des-Prés seduces its inhabitants for its excitement, mixed with a family atmosphere. For music lovers and jazz enthusiasts, intimate clubs are the ideal meeting place.
Between culture and heritage
If in the collective imagination the district is directly associated with its small cafes and terraces, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has other surprises in store. Here, museums and emblematic monuments coexist. The district is home to the Odéon theater, the city's first "monument theater", which offers a demanding program. On the Fürstenberg square, we discover one of the many small museums which make the neighborhood beautiful. The most charming and secret is undoubtedly the Delacroix museum. On the other side of the Seine is Paris's most iconic museum, the Louvre and its priceless masterpieces.
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district: some must-see places
Le Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots: a few steps from the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, Le Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots continue to attract visitors in the footsteps of famous writers. You can enjoy traditional French cuisine and some of the best breakfasts in Paris.
Place de Fürstenberg: rue de Fürstenberg widens in its center onto a square of the same name where the abbey stables were located. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the capital with its unique five-globe street lamp and the buildings that surround it – including the unmissable Eugène Delacroix Museum.
The Pont des Arts: this magnificent footbridge is the meeting place for Paris lovers. It allows you to admire the Île de la Cité and Notre Dame on one side, the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay on the other.
The National School of Fine Arts: the school occupies the former convent of the Petits Augustins, of which the chapel and cloister remain. Today she trains students in artistic professions.
Le Bon Marché: an emblematic department store on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché, founded by the Boucicaut couple in 1852, is considered the temple of fashion and good taste. We go there for an afternoon of shopping under the imposing glass roofs.
Living in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, means benefiting from parks, schools and public transport nearby.
Green spaces
The garden of the Eugène Delacroix Museum: inspired by the artist's various works, is a peaceful haven in the heart of the neighborhood.
Square Laurent-Prache: it backs onto the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. For the record, it contains a bronze bust of Dora Maar – French photographer and painter – offered by Picasso to the city of Paris.
The Luxembourg Gardens: located a few minutes from the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the emblematic Luxembourg Gardens extends over an area of 25 hectares. With a large pond, its flowers and its statues, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.
Schools in the area
By living in Saint-Germain-des-Prés you are close to renowned establishments.
Saint Benoît bilingual public comprehensive school: 16, rue Saint Benoît, 75006 Paris
Stanislas: 22, rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs, 75006 Paris
The Alsatian school: 109, rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris
Sévigné high school: 28, rue Pierre Nicole, 75005 Paris
Middle school - high school Lavoisier: 17, rue Henri Barbusse, 75005 Paris
Fénelon high school: 2, rue de l'Éperon, 75006 Paris
Transport services
Metro: 4 and 10
Buses: 39, 63, 86, 87, 95
Living in Saint-Germain-des-Prés means enjoying the best of the Left Bank. Find all Junot properties for sale and rent in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district by contacting the consultants of our Junot 6 e and Junot Fine Properties agencies.
