Saint-Germain des Prés is one of the most attractive area to visit in Paris. And I strongly recommand it, you could spend at least 3 hours walking around and discovering one of the most typical parisian area.

There are lot of things to see, lot of cobbled streets and mysterious passageways to discover in bicycle (you have free bike to rent everywhere in Paris) or walking. And if you need a reast, you can buy some fruits in one of the cutest market in Paris !

To start your ride, I suggest you to visit the Saint-Germain church, one of the oldest in Paris. After the visiting, you could take a coffee at the famous “Aux Deux Magots” or “Café de Flore” where Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir sat for hours in the fifties.

Then, you can walk through the rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, where you will find the oldest café in Paris (Le Procope, opened in 1686), where Voltaire and Rousseau propagated their ideal of progress, and where Danton exchanged revolutionary ideas with Marat and Robespierre.

You also have to see the numerous antique shops and art galleries lining the streets. One of the most famous is the Paris American Art.

Once you have reached the Seine, you should make a stop to see the “Bouquinistes“, the riverside vendors who peddle used books.

Near the Seine you can also see the “French Institute” where stand one of the most prestigious French Academy, the “Académie française”. And to finish your walk, you can have diner on one of the barges along the Seine, it’s very romantic and so parisian.

Have a great ride in Saint-Germain des Prés and enjoy Paris !!!

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