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Historic neighborhood · Paris, Ilha de França
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Left-bank neighborhood around the oldest church in Paris, known for literary cafés, bookshops, art galleries and boutiques. The church has a tower dating from the year 1000.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés grew up around an abbey founded in the 6th century by King Childebert I. The remaining church is considered the oldest in Paris. The Romanesque tower began to be built around the year 1000. Inside, the pillars and vaults have been restored to their original colors, and one chapel houses the tomb of the philosopher René Descartes.
In the 20th century the neighborhood became a meeting place for writers, artists and thinkers. Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir frequented the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, which remain open on boulevard Saint-Germain. Brasserie Lipp sits across the street.
The surrounding streets are full of art galleries, bookstores, antique dealers, chocolatiers and fashion shops. The church of Saint-Sulpice, with Delacroix frescoes, is a few minutes’ walk away. To the north the streets descend to the Seine and the Pont des Arts, opposite the Louvre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the church and a stroll through the neighborhood. Allow more time if you include a café visit, shopping or Saint-Sulpice.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the cafés fill up and the shop windows are lit. In the morning the church is quieter. Respect mass times.
How to get there
By metro, line 4 Saint-Germain-des-Prés station, right in front of the church. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Musée d'Orsay and around 10 minutes from the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Tip
Having coffee in the historic cafés on the boulevard is expensive; it’s worth it as an experience, not as a meal. To eat better for less, look to the side streets such as rue de Buci, which has a market and bistros. Entry to the church is free; keep quiet during services.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Which is the oldest church in Paris?
The church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is considered the oldest church in Paris still standing. The original abbey dates from the 6th century and the tower began to be built around the year 1000.
Which cafés in the neighborhood are famous?
The Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, on boulevard Saint-Germain, frequented by writers like Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Brasserie Lipp is opposite.
Is Saint-Germain a good neighborhood for shopping?
Yes—for fashion, home décor, books and chocolates. Shops are concentrated between boulevard Saint-Germain, rue de Rennes and the streets around Saint-Sulpice. Many stores close on Sundays.