You probably know its name, names associated with it, its most famous addresses, but perhaps you have never been to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Saint Germain des Prés mythical district of Paris and vibrant soul of the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Inseparable from the history of the city, the arts and literature, Saint-Germain has that little extra that tourists and Parisians love so much.
Saint Germain des Prés Mythical district of Paris : presentation
Historic area
Saint-Germain-des-Prés was around the 6th century, a place outside the city, and whose center was the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-des-Prés. Its land extended much further than the present church, as far as the 7th arrondissement. The building we know today was built towards the end of the 10th century and its bell tower is therefore the oldest in Paris! A visit to the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, often overlooked by visitors, is an incredible leap back in time. You will be amazed by the nave and the transept which date from the same period. Other parts were rebuilt and some buildings were destroyed during the Revolution while they were used as a powder store. It’s hard to imagine today that Saint-Germain-des-Prés, as its name suggests, was mainly made up of meadows. But Paris was not built in a day and the Left Bank has long remained a rural area.
Art & literature
Very early on, Saint-Germain-des-Prés became the cradle of intellectuals. The meetings at the Procope, rue de l’Ancienne Comédie and the walls of the latter bear witness to this. Of course, the Café de Flore has counted on its benches some great names in literature. The picture of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir coming to warm up and chat in this legendary café is still very much alive. Let us also note Marguerite Duras and the Groupe de la rue Saint-Benoit which met in this same street at the writer’s home, or the cellars of the rue de Rennes from which left notes of Jazz. Boris Vian was one of those post-war music venues.
Walk in Saint-Germain
If you want to take a walk in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, go to the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés first. Enter the Church and appreciate the work done 11 centuries ago! Opposite the building, the Deux Magots café and the Café de Flore. A lunch on the terrace in the footsteps of Simone and Jean-Paul will certainly make you want to immerse yourself in an existentialist writing. Take the rue de l’Abbaye, and in one of the shops you will see a vestige of the Abbey wall. Then turn left onto the romantic Place Furstemberg. Delacroix’s studio (and house) is open to visitors. Stroll through the art galleries of rue de Seine and rue des Beaux-Arts, take a bucolic break in the garden and tea room of the Hotel des Marronniers, then reach the banks of the Seine where the booksellers await you …
Hotel des Marronniers, a secret hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Typically Parisian
The Hotel des Marronniers is one of those discreet little addresses that whisper from lip to lip. Hidden at the end of a small courtyard on rue Jacob, he knows how to maintain the memory of an elegant and authentic Paris. Stretched fabrics, woodwork, exposed stones, and an unsuspected garden. No doubt you are staying in Paris. Oh yes, the calm of the garden can, for a moment, make you forget the city … 😉
A stay in the deep heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
In this green setting, it is easy to forget Paris and its usual frenzy as the tranquility of the place soothes you. Remember that leaving the Hotel, you can access to the Seine river and the Louvre Museum in a 5-minute walk, in a 15-minute walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and in a 3-minute walk to Place Saint -Germain-des-Prés. Incredible but true !
Our team will be delighted to welcome you in the heart of Paris, and to guide you throughout your stay. A question ? A need ? Our staff is present 24 hours a day to best respond to your requests, and always with a smile, professionalism and a touch of humor!
Concerning the rooms on garden side or courtyard side only, they are all are equipped with:
- Free and speed wifi connection
- Individual air conditioning
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Private bathroom with bathtub or shower and welcoming amenities
- Blackout curtains
- Desk, …
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