Things to do in Saint-Germain-des-Prés district

You cannot reasonably begin visiting Saint-Germain-des-Prés without thinking of the Luxembourg Gardens, affectionately known by the locals as ‘Luco’. Located in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, this French-style garden is one of the capital’s must-dos. It is home to the Senate, as well as a beautiful fountain and a hundred or so statues to admire as you stroll around. There are plenty of other things to do here too: Luxembourg Museum, pony rides, children’s playgrounds, etc. Sit on one of the famous metal chairs and watch would-be sailors floating their model boats on the main pond.

Here begins your trip through time. Welcome to the Café de Flore, a legendary place in the heart of Saint-Germain. Walk in the footsteps of the greatest French intellectuals, including the likes of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Guillaume Apollinaire. People come here to admire the red seats and Art Deco chandeliers and to soak up the history-steeped atmosphere. When the sun comes out, you’ll be lucky to find a spare seat on the terrace. The perfect place for a delicious break after a day’s sightseeing.

Its neighbour is just as famous: Les Deux Magots. As you enter, you’ll recognise the two iconic Chinese magot statues after which this restaurant is named. As another haunt of illustrious figures, it attracts locals and tourists alike. Here you’ll enjoy the classics of French gastronomy in dishes served with great finesse, from croque-monsieur to duck foie gras, no less!

A little further along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, the Brasserie Lipp, like its two neighbours, serves a traditional gourmet menu without the fuss and frills. Sauerkraut and brandade (salt cod and potato mash) are among the great French classics served at this well-known Parisian institution. You may even spot a film star or two! But beyond the culinary experience, take the time to admire the mosaics and enormous mirrors of this fascinating place.

Le Procope has nothing to envy of the district’s other haunts frequented by great writers. Once a favourite of Diderot and Verlaine, nowadays it serves hot chocolate to be enjoyed against the priceless historical backdrop. A copy of the Declaration of Human Rights hangs on the wall and there’s even a bicorn hat allegedly left behind by Napoleon, if you please! This café is also a gastronomy icon where you can enjoy flambéed crepes, calf’s head or coq au vin. Prepare for a mouthwatering feast.

You’ll find the restaurant of the great chef, Guy Savoy, at Monnaie de Paris. It is one of the best restaurants in the world and it can be found near the Pont Neuf, a bridge straddling the river Seine. Everything about this place celebrates cuisine as an art: artichoke soup with black truffle, poached and grilled pigeon and many more amazingly succulent dishes. The icing on the cake? You’ll enjoy an intimate one-to-one with the Seine.

As its name suggests, Monnaie de Paris used to be the site where coins were minted. Nowadays, it is still in operation, although the production of everyday currency has been transferred to Pessac. The Parisian site continues to manufacture shiny items of jewellery, medals and collector coins. The workshops and guided tours unveil the mysteries of this unique expertise.

You’ve probably heard of Liberty Leading the People. In the 19th century, the man who painted it, Eugène Delacroix, set up his studio on Rue Furstemberg. Now a museum and gardens, the site exhibits a selection of the painter’s works and sketches. An opportunity to find out more about his life and works _ and about artistic reproduction.

Music, maestro! You could walk past this graffiti-covered house without even noticing it, yet this is where Serge Gainsbourg spent his final days. Maison Gainsbourg has become a shrine for die-hard fans and curious visitors, retracing the singer’s life and works, right down to the ashtray full of cigarette ends. To prolong the experience, visit the museum, boutique and bookshop just opposite.

If you’ve read Emile Zola’s The Ladies’ Delight, you may be familiar with this place, which inspired the famous novel. Le Bon Marché is an absolute must among Parisian boutiques, as any excited shopping fan will tell you. They sell everything here, from leather and luxury goods to fashion items, cosmetics, furniture and even jewellery. Be warned, you’ll come out with carrier bags galore!

You cannot visit Le Bon Marché without popping to the Grande Épicerie de Paris as well! A stone’s throw from the shopping temple, you’ll find what can only be described as a temple of flavour. Here they sell products from all over the world. And if you suddenly feel peckish, order at one of the food counters to sample some of the best dishes on the planet.