This blog post was updated on July 27, 2021.
Every time I’m in Paris, I’m pulled toward the historic Saint- Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Between the quaint cafés, historic churches, and beautiful shops, there’s always something to hold my attention in this eclectic and refined Parisian neighborhood. Here are my suggestions for things to eat, see, and do in the iconic 6th arrondissement.
Eat
Yen
22 Rue Saint-Benoît, Paris 75006
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
It can be fun to eat at touristy spots like Café de Flore, but I much prefer a relaxing dinner at Yen. This beautiful, minimalist spot serves delicious Japanese fare. You can’t go wrong with the soba dishes. What’s even better is that the atmosphere is classy, yet casual. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Amorino
4 Rue de Buci, Paris 75006
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Amorino is a gelato chain with locations throughout Paris. Stop by the Saint-Germain-des-Prés location, grab a scoop of one of Amorino’s unexpected, tasty flavor combinations (like lime-basil) and stroll down the cobblestone streets.
See
Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
3 place St-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 75006
Métro: St-Germain-des-Prés
Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest church in Paris and, given the number of historic churches in Paris, that is definitely saying something. This famous church was built in 542 by King Childebert, and has seen a lot of change since then. Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés’s mix of architectural styles – 6th century marble columns, Romanesque arches, and Gothic vaulted ceilings– reveals its fascinating history. A number of notable French people are buried here, including the influential French philosopher René Descartes.
Musée National Eugène Delacroix
6 rue de Fürstenberg, Paris 75006
Métro: St-Germain-des-Prés or Mabillon
Located in the former home and studio space of the Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix, the Musée National Eugène Delacroix houses a permanent collection of sketches, lithographs and paintings by Delacroix and his contemporaries. The collection also features personal artifacts of Delacroix, including clothing and art objects the artist collected during his trip to Morocco in 1832 (an impressive array of caftans, djellabas, jewelry, sabers, cushions, slippers, boots and ceramics).
Do
Simrane
23 -25 rue Bonaparte, Paris 75006
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Mabillon
This delightful boutique sells a variety of fabrics, caftans, and bed and table linens, all imported from India. If you need a dose of color (and some easy to pack souvenirs), Simrane is the place to go.
LUMAS Gallery
40 Rue de Seine, Paris 75006
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Parisian branch of this international gallery perfectly exemplifies the intellectual, bohemian nature of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. LUMAS houses works by notable artists from around the globe working in diverse media.
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