Saint Germain des Prés: an Authentic Paris Neighborhood
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by Annie Sargent in Paris
14 Feb 2020
60min
 2mi
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About the audio tour
Whether this is your first time in Paris's Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood or you already love this historic neighborhood, this tour is for you! I have so many fun things to show and great stories to tell that I'm sure you've never seen or heard. Join me for a guided walk through this area to see and hear about not only its famous landmarks but also its hidden treasures. If anyone ever told you that history is boring, you can be sure that they never studied the history of Saint-Germain-des-Prés! Whether it’s cavorting with revolutionaries, debating with philosophers or tucking into the 6th best macarons in France, this neighborhood has something for everyone.
You'll hear about
• The 1751 version of Wikipedia
• An odd duck who only lived in hotels
• Surviving Smallpox
• Cooking up a Revolution
• The birth of the guillotine
• Can you make your ox work on the Sabbath?
• A brothel for priests
• Ancient astronomical instruments
• The wall of envy
• Who stole the Mona Lisa anyway?
I will also recommend several food establishments because you can't go to Saint Germain without enjoying some great French food and wine! And yes, there are bathrooms en route!
Major Landmarks
Saint-Germain Church, Palais Abbatial de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Hotel La Lousiane, Saint Sulpice, Saint Germain Covered Market
Directions to starting point
The tour starts outside of the Mabillon Metro station where Rue du Four and Rue de Montfaucon intersect.
Tips
Places to stop along the way:
Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, Le Procope Café, Cour du Commerce Saint-André, École de Médecine, Bouillon Racine, Odeon Theater, Saint Sulpice Covered Market, Saint Sulpice church, Café Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, Brasserie Lipp, Deyrolles
Best time of day:
You can take this tour any time, but if you'd like all venues to be open, take it Tuesday through Saturday between 11 AM and 7 PM.
Precautions:
The area is very safe, but use normal precautions against pickpockets because you never know!
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