Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The basics

The quarter’s main street, the Haussmann-designed Boulevard St Germain, is lined with chic boutiques and cafés with outdoor terraces, perfect for people-watching. Travelers have myriad options to explore the enchanting area as part of a half-day, full-day, group, or private sightseeing tour, each with a special focus, such as culture (museums, perfume workshops for kids, pétanque, jazz), food and wine (chocolate, charcuterie, macarons, and champagne tastings), and even fun Polaroid photo safaris. Transport on tours run the gamut too, from walking and cycling to Seine hop-on/hop-off cruises.

Things to know before you go

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families.
• Tours usually include a guide and round-trip hotel transport. Check specific tours for details.
• Wear comfortable shoes since Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world.

How to get there

The main Métro stop for the neighborhood is St-Germain-des-Prés (line 4); from there, walk north toward the Seine to reach a stretch of galleries and cafés. For shopping and restaurants, cross Boulevard St-Germain and walk south. Or get off at the RER stop at Luxembourg and walk northwest through the Luxembourg gardens.

When to get there

Paris is a place of wonder and beauty at any time of the year, as each season brings its own charms. The best weather is from late spring through early fall, May through September. Deals on hotels may be found during the winter and early spring months. Festivals abound year-round; highlights include Bastille Day in July, the springtime jazz and blues festival, Banlieues Bleues, and the summertime city-wide music festival, Paris, Quartier d’Été.

Luxembourg Garden and Museum

One of the quarter’s most sublime pleasures is to spend time in the Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg). Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, created these perfectly manicured lawns and flower beds placed around sumptuous fountains and pools as part of her palace here. Within the gardens is Paris’s oldest public museum, Musée du Luxembourg, which opened in 1750.

Ways to explore

Orient yourself in Saint-Germain-des-Prés by exploring its main street, the Haussmann-designed Boulevard Saint–Germain, lined with chic boutiques and outdoor cafés that are perfect for people-watching. For a deeper dive into the neighborhood’s history, explore it with a guide. Wide-ranging tour options include small-group walking tours about the Left Bank’s bohemian roots, food tours that let you taste the area’s best pastries and macarons, and time-efficient sightseeing tours that show you the highlights by bike or vintage car. Since the Seine is just steps away, you can also see Saint-Germain-des-Prés on a river cruise.

Accessibility

Many Saint-Germain-des-Prés tours are wheelchair accessible—just contact the provider in advance to confirm.

Age limits

While some tours are open to all ages, other experiences, such as bike tours, don’t allow guests younger than 12.

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, city guide

What to wear

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is best enjoyed outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring on foot.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but many don’t allow smoking, non-service animals, or alcohol.

Amenities

Cafés and restaurants, museums and art galleries, shops

Address

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is located in the 6th arrondissement, a short walk from the Latin Quarter and other points of interest on Paris’ Left Bank. You can get there on foot from attractions such as the Panthéon and Notre-Dame Cathedral, though it’s also easy to reach with public transportation.

Driving

It’s not recommended for visitors to self-navigate through central Paris, where traffic is heavy and parking is hard to come by. Fortunately, taxis and rideshares are widely available to get you to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Public transportation

The neighborhood’s main Paris Métro stop is St-Germain-des-Prés (line 4), with all the main attractions a short walk north. Or, take the RER B to the Luxembourg station and walk through the gardens before exploring the rest of the area.

Best times to visit

To see the square while it’s full of artists and performers, visit from the late morning to early evening.

Best days to visit

Many of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ top attractions are open daily, though weekends can get particularly busy—visit on a weekday for shorter lines.

Best months to visit

To take advantage of the neighborhood’s many sidewalk cafés and gardens, visit while Paris’ weather is at its best from June–October.

Special events

The Jazz Festival at Saint-Germain-des-Prés in May is one of the district’s most established events, with concerts at the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Monnaie de Paris, and other historic venues.