Post Overview: Best things to do in St. Germain Paris
When it comes to neighborhoods in Paris few are as captivating as St. Germain des Pres. The quarter was a hotbed for famed writers, musicians and artists during the 20th century and continues to be a powerful place of inspiration.
Thanks to its rich history and charm the neighborhood has become one of the top tourist destinations in Paris. You can easily get lost wandering its tree lined promenades or being drawn into its luxury boutiques.
Between its storied cafes and thriving nightlife you can spend a full day in Saint-Germain and still find reason to come back for more. That’s why I’ve made it a point to visit the neighborhood every time I come to Paris!
However if you’re only in Paris for a few days and can’t leisurely explore the neighborhood you’re going to want to know what’s really worth the stop. With so many things to do in St. Germain you might find yourself overwhelmed.
And that’s why I wrote this article. I’ve gathered the best things to do in St. Germain into one post to help you plan your visit to Paris. Hopefully you can pick a few items from this list and have a blast in the neighborhood.
We’ve got a lot of ground to cover and I don’t want to skip a beat, are you ready to get into the best things to do in St. Germain?
Tips for Visiting St. Germain Paris
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: With so much to see and so many things to do in St. Germain you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring your most comfortable pair of shoes because you’ll be getting those steps in, I guarantee it.
- Start your day early: St. Germain is one of the most popular destinations in all of Paris, so in order to avoid crowds I suggest waking up as early as you can to stroll the streets. This will help avoid lines and help get pictures in iconic spots without someone in the background.
- Bring a tote (or purchase one!): Between the shopping, the tempting treats and the picnic opportunities — carrying a reusable bag with you will come in handy. They’re lightweight and can pack up small enough to fit in a coat pocket. Trust me on this one and bring one!
Best Things to Do St. Germain
Treat yourself to a Macaron from Laduree
Laduree is a baking powerhouse at this point. The company has multiple locations peppered throughout the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Japan and all over Europe. But they had to start somewhere right? Well friends, Paris can proudly wear the crown since the company was founded in the City of Love in 1862.
That’s why one of the best things to do in St. Germain Paris is to swing by Laduree for a sweet treat in the company’s home town!
There are eclairs, cakes, and many, many more colorful concoctions but their claim to fame are their macarons. You’ll find them in an array of colors and flavors, but I’ll admit they’re a bit pricey.
With that being said, Laduree’s status helps make a box of macarons a great gift or souvenir.
If you decide you want to have your sweet-treat at the Laduree shop they have a tea room. The space oozes an air of high-class opulence. The velvety chairs take a simple break to rest your legs, to the next level. And you’ll be feeling like a foreign dignitary in no-time.
I will advise making reservations if you want a table because lines at Laduree can be unpredictable. Some days you can stroll in and get find a table quickly, but it’s not always a guarantee. Don’t linger too long though, you have so many more fun things to do in St. Germain waiting for you!
Address: 21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
Peruse the Musee National Eugene Delacroix
Eugene Delacroix was a French painter and leader in the romantic art movement. Instead of merely replicating scenes in history, he mixed emotion into his work. You’ll find a lot of his paintings show movement and action, not just still and posed scenes (which was the norm before romanticism).
Luckily one of the best things to do in St. Germain Paris is to swing by his former apartment, which has been transformed into a museum. There you’ll be welcomed by the artist’s paintings that showcase his career from beginning to end.
There’s also letters, sketches and photographs that give visitors a behind-the-curtain peek into the painter’s school of thought. His approach to painting was unique for the time and inspired future artists like Vincent van Gogh.
Incredibly, the museum is seldom busy. Visiting is such a nice reprieve from the bustle of city life and one of the best things to do in St. Germain, Paris. There’s even a courtyard in the apartment where you can simmer in any possible inspiration you gleaned from the museum.
The Musée National Eugene Delacroix is open every day except for Tuesday and tickets can (and should) be booked online. Since the Delacroix Museum is managed by the Louvre, you have the option of booking a combination ticket that allows you to visit both museums within a 48 hour span.
Address: 6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris
Split a Bottle of Rosé at Les Deux Magots
Parisians consider passing time as an art form, and they’ve been qualifying for those Olympics since the dawn of time. To their credit, after becoming accustomed to long, leisurely afternoon devoted to nothing (bless you, vacation), I understand the hype. The challenge is knowing with idyllic little cafe to park yourself at, to which I say: Les Deux Margot.
But let’s address the elephant in the room — scoring a table at Les Deux Margot will require nothing short of a miracle. However, if you have the patience you’ll be rewarded with one of the best things to do in St. Germain.
Les Deux Margot dates back to 1884 and has been attracting celebrities, creatives (Hemingway, Picasso) and chic locals ever since. This is one of the classiest Parisian cafes around. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a warm summer evening than nursing a bottle of rosé while people-watching.
If helpful, we paid $40 for a bottle of rosé at Les Deux Margot, which is steep by European standards, but on par with typical prices in Paris (and hell, a bargain by New York City standards).
Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France
Or grab a cup of coffee at Cafe de Flore
It’s impossible to find a list of things to do in St. Germain that doesn’t include a visit to the renowned Café de Flore. A charming cafe in the center of St. Germain it intrigues anyone who isn’t already at one of their tables.
Café de Flore is named after Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. It’s a fitting name given that that the cafe is adorned in beautiful blooms. It creates the perfect setting for a velvety cup of hot chocolate or a champagne cocktail.
After opening its doors in 1887 the iconic Parisian café has been ready for business and hasn’t had an empty table since. The likes of Pablo Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, and Leon Trotsky were among the ambitious and progressive visitors that the cafe was known for hosting.
Despite being one of the busiest cafes in Paris, a table is almost always available. In the case that there is a wait, the staff at Café de Flore does a fantastic job of keeping things moving, so the wait never really feels that long.
But to be entirely frank, the meals can be forgettable. To say it’s the best food you’ll find in Paris would be a lie. Because the prices are on the higher end, many folks believe that eating here is a tourist trap.
But I can confidentially say, (based off of first hand experience) you should absolutely make an effort to visit this iconic Paris coffee shop at least once.
The staff is courteous and accommodating, the atmosphere is lively and the establishment is rich in history. Even if you only stop by for a glass of wine or coffee, visiting Cafe Flore is one of the best things to do in St. Germain!
Address: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Visit the Odeon Theatre
France has six national theatres and one of the best things to do in Saint Germain Paris is to swing by for a show at one of them: The Odeon Theatre de l’Europe.
At The Odeon you’ll get to choose from an array of world-class plays. And as you’d expect the plays are performed and curated by some of the brightest minds in the world of theater. Whether you want a timeless experience and choose to enjoy the work of Shakespeare or would prefer something more contemporary you’ll find it all under one roof when visiting Saint Germain Paris.
And as the oldest theatre in Paris you’ll get to admire the beauty of architecture that’s been washed away by the modern world. The foyer greets you with columns, marble tiles and statues that ooze an air of sophistication. Speaking from first hand experience it’s near impossible not to play aristocrat for the day.
A visit to the Odeon Theatre becomes an even better thing to do in St. Germain Paris when the weather goes south. You’ll have a reprieve from the elements and still get to enjoy the best the neighborhood has to offer.
If you’re nervous about not being able to understand the play (because you don’t speak French) there’s no need to worry. The Odeon Theatre has plays in English and French plays with English subtitles.
Just be sure to read the description before purchasing your tickets online! This way you can enjoy one of the best things to do in St. Germain Paris without any confusion.
Address: Pl. de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
Enjoy a Rose latte from Café Nuances
The first time I stumbled upon Cafe Nuances in Paris was on complete accident. My husband and I were out exploring the many things to do in St. Germain when I overheard a couple near us rave about this Rose latte they just tried.
Being a professional eavesdropper I was able to quickly pick up it was from a nearby coffee shop called Cafe Nuances. So I plugged the address into my GPS and we were on our way.
To our surprise, Café Nuances had a small line forming leaving us scratching our heads thinking, “has our research failed us?” How come we didn’t know that one of the best coffee shops in Paris was a skip, hop and a jump away?
We sat in that (very brief) line, ordered two rose lattes and never looked back. My only complaint with Cafe Nuances is that they didn’t come into my life sooner.
Now its become our personal mission to spread the word. We let everyone who will listen know Café Nuances is not to be overlooked and is one of the best things to do in St. Germain.
The staff was beyond friendly and recommended we tried one of the cookies with our drink. Knowing I couldn’t say no to a sweet treat, my husband asked for two and we were in heaven.
Address: 25 Rue Danielle Casanova, 75001 Paris, France
Go shopping at Le Bon Marche
Is there anything more synonymous with Paris than fashion? I mean outside of croissants and the Eiffel Tower when most folks think of the French capital they think of fancy clothes and flashy accessories.
That’s why one of the best things to do in St. Germain Paris is to go shopping at Le Bon Marche. Treat yourself to an authentic Parisian shopping experience by letting yourself wander the different nooks and crannies of the oldest department store in the world, founded in 1838.
Inside Le Bon Marche you’ll find everything from clothes to furniture. There’s even food to entertain your partner if they don’t share the same passion for fashion as you.
Designer brands like Gucci and Tom Ford are available for those really looking to splurge. With that said there are more affordable options too to help you not spend all your money in one place.
The store has multiple levels. This way you can spend hours perusing the shelves and booths for hours, enjoying one of the best things to do in Saint Germain. As an added bonus: they have a public bathroom. Hallelujah!
Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Stroll the charming streets of Rue de Buci
Rue de Buci is one of the liveliest streets in all of Paris and taking your time enjoying it is one of the best things to do in St. Germain. I’ll preface this by saying it’s a short street, only running a mere two blocks but it’s memorable and fun.
Both sides of the street are littered with boutiques, gift shops and restaurants and the 20 minute stroll can quickly turn into an hour if you stop every time something catches your eye.
The people-watching at Rue de Buci has no rival as crowds of both tourists and locals alike go about their business. During every trip to Paris I find myself migrating towards the street. I always come with my camera in hand, expecting to capture some great pictures.
And if you just want to hang out its easy to grab a table at a cafe and give your feet a rest. Try to snag a table outside and take your time sipping your drink. Just hanging out and enjoying the high-spirited energy is one of the best things to do in St. Germain.
With all of that said, paying a visit to Rue de Buci is one of the most popular things to do in St. Germain. Avoid the area between noon and 2PM if you prefer to stay away from crowds.
Location: Rue de Buci, 75006 Paris
Visit the Musée Maillol
The Museum Maillol was the brainchild of Dina Vierny. She was a woman who was the model and muse for the French sculptor Aristide Maillol. In 1995, more than 50 years after Mailllol’s death Vierny made it a mission to share his works and founded the Musée Maillol.
Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in St. Germain and you’ll get to enjoy more than just Maillol’s sculptures. There are also paintings, woodcuts and drawings by famous artists (like Pablo Picasso).
But the name of the game does remain sculptures, and there’s a lot of them. Maillol worked primarily with bronze, but the statues at the museum run the gamut and include stone.
On top of the permanent, year-round exhibits the Musée Maillol hosts temporary exhibits too. This helps ensure a visit to the museum remains one of the best things to do in St. Germain, because there is always something new!
Address: 59-61 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Grab some chocolate from Debauve and Gallais
Chocoholics will have a field day at Debauve and Gallais. It’s a chocolate company that’s been in business for more than 200 years! Swinging by for a box is one of the best things to do in St. Germain because over the years they’ve become bona fide experts in making bite-size bits of heaven.
When I first visited it was surprising at how small the store was. But you know what they say, big things come in small packages. You can quickly scan the store before making a bee-line for the glass case.
Behind the counter are the famed sweet-treats that make swinging by Debauve and Gallais one of the best things to do in St. Germain. There’s both milk and dark chocolates that come filled with fruits, nuts and caramels.
You can choose a pre-made assortment of chocolates or make your own box. But before you get sticker-shock I have to warn you these chocolates will cost you a pretty penny. With that said if you’re looking to treat yourself or bring back a memorable souvenir you won’t find much better than Debauve and Gallais.
Address: 30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris
Read a book at Square Felix Desruelles
Exploring Paris can be overwhelming and let’s be honest, tiring.
There is so much to see with so much ground to cover. Not to mention the occasional jet lag your body tries to fight off while you adjust to the time change. That’s why finding reprieve in beautiful spots like Square Felix Desruelles is one of the best things to do in St. Germain. This is especially true if the 15,000+ steps a day are catching up to you.
Just off the Boulevard Saint Germain away, Square Felix Desruelles offers a touch of greenery in an otherwise busy part of Paris. The name comes from Félix-Alexandre Desruelles. He was a famous French sculptor, and the space was landscaped in 1872. Today both locals and visitors dying to rest their legs find comfort in the peaceful square.
Thanks to a handful of benches scattered around the square, reading a book or enjoying a quick lunch is one of the best things to do in St. Germain. In fact, there is a great crêperie stand less than a minute away that makes for an easy afternoon pick me up to-go!
Address: Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Visit the Abbey (Church) of St. Germain
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you should make an effort to stop-by houses of worship when visiting somewhere new. This is especially true when looking for the best things to do in St. Germain because its namesake church is also the oldest church in Paris.
The Church of Saint Germain des Pres traces its origins way back to the sixth century. It was constructed as an abbey (an abbey is the home of monks or nuns) meant to house relics taken during the Frankish Siege of Saragossa.
And if you wonder what relics are so special they warrant the construction of an abbey? None other than the St. Vincent’s tunic and a piece from the True Cross (the cross Jesus Christ was crucified on).
Although the church’s history dates back to the 6th century the current building has had a series of remodels. These include completely rebuilding twice after being attacked by Vikings! The current church wasn’t officially completed until 1641, and it’s still a functioning church.
Thanks to its many remodels you can visit the church and geek-out admiring different forms of European architecture. Romanesque, gothic and baroque are a few of the styles represented. Even if you’re not religious, visiting is one of the best things to do in Saint Germain Paris solely thanks to the church’s beauty.
Best of all the Church of Saint Germain des Pres is free and doesn’t require advanced reservation. Unlike most of the other great things to do in St. Germain visiting the church won’t break the bank.
Address: 3 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Pick up your favorite skincare products at Citypharma
It’s no secret the French know a thing or two about skincare. In fact, trusted French brands like La Roche-Posay and Caudalie have developed a worldwide cult-like following.
Most folks credit their success to social media but the results are in the products. One of the best things to do in St. Germain is to let your hair down and run wild at Citypharma. Citypharma is the most popular pharmacy in Paris that sells discounted skincare, hair care and wellness products.
The first time I visited this beautiful heaven I took one look at my husband and just said “leave.” I then proceeded to spend the next 2 hours wandering down each aisle. Needless to I loaded my hand basket until my back gave out.
Like a kid in a candy store, Citypharma had me hooked. I recommend doing some research prior to visiting since the wide selection can be overwhelming. Not to mention all the labels are in French! Or you can always ask the staff for recommendations based on your needs. Not only are they extremely kind, they are impressively knowledgeable.
As one of the best things to do in St. Germain, you and half the city will be rubbing elbows trying to cash in all the deals. Prepare yourself for crowds in the aisles. Or try to visit during the week at an early hour.
If at all helpful, here are a few French brands I shop for (and purchase in bulk) whenever visiting Paris:
- La Roche-Posay
- Caudalie
- Avène
- Nuxe
- Klorane
Address: 26 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris
Stroll the Saint Germain Boulevard
When the weather is nice there are few better things to do in St. Germain than stroll the Boulevard Saint-Germain. The street is the beating heart of the neighborhood! It will takes you past all the most charming things to do in St. Germain.
It’s unbelievable to think that at one point the street didn’t exist. During the early 1800’s Paris had become crowded and unsanitary. Napoleon III directed Georges-Eugene Haussmann to create a new city plan, and in doing so demolished old neighborhoods and streets.
One of the key creations in the plan was the construction of Boulevard Saint-Germain. In the present day it’s the home to cafes, boutiques and a thriving nightlife. It’s a historic place too! With famous authors, musicians and artists having been known to hang around the street (Like Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso).
Wandering the Boulevard Saint-Germain might seem like a “no-duh” suggestion. But I’ve realized that until someone says “hey, be present for this” you don’t really appreciate things the same. That’s why I’m here to suggest we all look up from our phones and enjoy one of the best things to do in St. Germain!
Wander the Jardin du Luxembourg
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be royalty? If so, visiting the Luxembourg Gardens is one of the best things to do in St. Germain. Only one minor caveat though, you won’t have the place to yourself.
Admittedly the garden is technically outside of Saint Germain des Pres, but it’s only by a few blocks and worth adding to the list.
The Luxembourg Gardens was commissioned by Marie de’ Medici after her sweet thang, King Henry IV, died and left her a (very rich) widow. Eager to shake things up, she decided that the Louvre was no longer desirable and commissioned an architect to build a new palace in imitation of the place she was born — Pitti Palace in Florence.
Likewise, the garden is designed in a style native to Florence and spared no expense in the effort. Today you’ll see chipper tourist with cameras in hand rubbing elbows with locals catching up with friends, and retirees napping. Visiting the gardens is one of the most relaxing things to do in St. Germain, so you won’t want to miss it.
As you may know, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French. But did you know you can see a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty at the Luxembourg Gardens? You can find the bronze replica on the west side of the park. Just something to mull over if looking for more things to do in St. Germain.
Address: 75006 Paris
Where is St. Germain?
Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, St. Germain des Pres is on the southern side of the Seine River, across from the Louvre. It’s sandwiched between the Pantheon and Hotel des Invalides, smack dab in the middle of the French capital.
St. Germain Best Things to Do (Post Summary)
- Wander the Jardin du Luxembourg
- Stroll the Saint Germain Boulevard
- Pick up your favorite skincare products at Citypharma
- Visit the Abbey
- Read a book at Square Felix Desruelles
- Grab some chocolate from Debauve and Gallais
- Visit the Museum Maillol
- Stroll the charming streets of Rue de Buci
- Go shopping at Le Bon Marche
- Enjoy a Rose latte from Café Nuances
- Visit the Odeon Theatre
- Grab a cup of coffee at Cafe de Flore
- Enjoy a meal at Les Deux Magots
- Peruse the Musee National Eugene Delacroix
- Treat yourself to a macaron from Laduree
Map of the best things to do St. Germain Paris
Let us know if we missed anything, cheers!
What do you think?