Discovering the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood

The famous name of Saint-Germain-des-Prés refers to the abbey Saint-Vincent founded by Clovis’s son, the first king of France. In the 20th century, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district has become a reference point for French art and culture where the most important writers of their time met like Racine, Balzac and the painters Delacroix and Manet. The venue of artists like Picasso or singers as Charles Aznavour and Léo Ferré has led to a drift with the neighborhood towards jazz and theater later on. This is the reason why today the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a place of reference for Parisians jazz clubs. In the 1960’s, the renowned district welcomes the world of fashion and luxury. Nowadays, the biggest luxury brands as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Dior compete in order to own a store with the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

The “Luxembourg” garden

Located on the edge between the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the latin district, the Luxembourg Garden, where resides the Senat, is a place where a unique atmosphere reigns : the water splashes on the leaves of the chestnut trees, the kids are amazed by the idea of seing their miniature ship float on the water where calmness prevails. On the 25 hectares of land on the Garden, we can find a various number of activities made for kids : puppets, rides, carousels and slides… It is the ideal place to spend an enjoyable time with family and discover the beauty of Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.

“Pont des Arts”

“Le Pont des Arts” or Bridge of Arts was built in order to connect the French Institut to the Louvre Palace. His name comes from the Palace of Arts, a name given to the Louvre museum under the second empire. Situated within the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a few minutes walk away from our hotel, the bridge crosses the Seine and offers an amazing vision on the Pont Neuf and l’Ile de la Cité.

It is useful to know that between 2008 and 2014, it became the symbol of love. Tourists from all over the world were hanging padlocks on the fence, in order to seal their love, that it became a tradition of the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Unfortunately, they needed to be taken off because off their heavy weight.

St Louis Island

“Saint-Louis Island ” is situated on the Seine river, in the heart of Paris, very near to the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Being a residential island, the island is known for its particularity to welcome a large number of shops and retailers adorned with outstanding facades, overlooking the Seine river. To admire this beautiful architecture, the easiest way is to take a walk around Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile street, and then on the waterfront of Béthune. Otherwise it is quite possible to go on a barge to observe the island from the water!

Brasserie Les 2 Magots

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the brewery les 2 Magots suggests a french traditional cuisine with a clear and picturesque style. This mystical brewery closes at 1 o’clock since 1885 and takes advantage of the Saint-Germain-des-prés district’s charm and special atmosphere. Perfect to offer great meals on the spot or to take away.

Brasserie Lipp

The Brewery Lipp offers french specialities and home-made meals till late at night in a nice french-charming atmosphere. Thus, you can enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere of Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.

Bistrot Au Coup de Torchon

The bistrot “Au coup de torchon” is the symbol of a french traditional home-made cuisine, elaborated with seasonal products freshly from the market. Only 16 minutes from the hôtel Le Littré, located in the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the stopover at the bistrot is highly recommended. To eat on the spot or to take away, Au coup de torchon is the perfect place to taste a delicious flambed scallop shell, or the succulent traditional dessert : crème brûlée.

Le Procope

The Procope wins the place of the most ancient restaurant in Paris ! Built in 1686, this restaurant is a location full of history where were reunited the most importants writers and intellectuals of their time. Today, the Procope offers a french traditional and sophisticated cuisine through different plates as the “Crémuex de panais au foie gras de canard, le tartare de boeuf Norand, the home-made Mille-feuille desert or the famous Tiramisu made the Procopio way. We are convinced that those plate will know how to surprise you !

Le café de Flore

This historical café, reputed and adored by celebrities is located 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. It is a representation of the french traditional cuisine, within a pitoresque atmosphere where you can eat a fresh Caesar Salad and a delicious Tarte Tatin or the emblematic hot chocolate Flore.

Le Bon Marché

The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the essence of parisian shopping…

Located in the heart of the district, Le Bon Marché is an absolute reference of French refinement for fashion, furniture and for its famous "Grande Epicerie". You will find in this store, all the major high-end brands such as Kenzo, Sézane, Sandro and the luxury brands like Alexander Mcqueen, Jimmy Choo, Chanel or Dior. It should be noted that every year, as Christmas time, the windows of this splendid store give way to the most beautiful decorations and leave no walker indifferent.

The streets of the St Germain des Prés district : Sèvres Babylone

Around the department store of “Le Bon Marché”, you will only have to walk in the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’s district to turn your shopping moment into a successful one. The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a district for art and culture, but also for shopping where many brands such as Isabel Marant, Minelli or Lacoste are implanted in the district.