Saint Germain des Prés: an Authentic Paris Neighborhood

Paris, France

(5)

Walking Tour

60 mins

2mi

About the 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!

Tour Producer

Annie Sargent

Bonjour, I'm Annie Sargent, tour guide and producer of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. I love introducing new people to my favorite destinations in France. Because I've lived away from France for many years, I came back eager to re-discover my own country and the places where French history happened. And because I am French born and raised I can't help but introduce a little bit of French culture into your visit. So, let's get walking and enjoy this tour together!

Map

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.

Show Directions

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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!

Comments

If you're a fan of Join Us In France, or even if you're not, this tour is a must! Just like the Join Us In France podcast, this tour is well-researched, interesting, engaging, and fun. There are so many little details and tips along the way- you'll see shops and details that you probably would never find on your own. And best off, it's like spending a day on your own with the ever charming Ms. Sargent. Brava and merci, Mme. Sargent!

Posted by Anonymous Explorer , about 1 year ago