Explore the timeless charm of Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood on a guided walking tour that promises to transport you through the district’s rich history. Stroll along the chic Boulevard Saint Germain, enjoying the 17th and 18th-century Parisian architecture, bustling cafes, and legendary haunts of iconic artists and writers. Discover the neighborhood’s pivotal role in the popular Da Vinci Code franchise as you uncover the captivating stories that have shaped this vibrant cultural hub. With iconic landmarks, including the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Académie Française, waiting to be explored, this tour offers a unique insight into Paris’s artistic and literary past that you won’t want to miss.
Key Points
- Immersive walking tour of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, exploring its rich cultural heritage, charming architecture, and storied literary and artistic legacy.
- Stroll along the iconic Boulevard Saint-Germain, visit legendary cafes that hosted Parisian intellectuals, and discover the neighborhood’s connection to the bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code.
- Discover the architectural gems of the 17th and 18th centuries, including the iconic Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris dating back to the 6th century.
- Gain insights into the neighborhood’s enduring allure as a hub for artists, writers, and thinkers, from Hemingway and Sartre to Simone de Beauvoir.
- Explore the filming locations from The Da Vinci Code, including the Saint-Sulpice Church and the Dépôt des Augustins, where characters uncovered clues about the Priory of Sion.
Overview of the Tour
This guided walking tour of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and charm of one of Paris’s most iconic districts.
Over the course of 1.5 hours, you will stroll down the chic Boulevard Saint Germain des Prés, taking in iconic landmarks like the oldest cafe and church in Paris.
Along the way, they’ll discover the neighborhood’s storied past as a hub for artists and writers, and even explore a location featured in the Da Vinci Code movie.
With an experienced local guide leading the way, guests can expect to gain a deep appreciation for authentic Parisian life and French culture.
Exploring Boulevard Saint Germain
As visitors stroll down the chic Boulevard Saint Germain des Prés, they’ll be captivated by its charming 17th and 18th-century Parisian architecture, bustling cafes, and the vibrant energy that has drawn creatives and intellectuals to this neighborhood for centuries. From the iconic Café de Flore to the legendary Les Deux Magots, the boulevard is dotted with legendary haunts that were once frequented by the likes of Sartre, Camus, and Hemingway. A stroll down this iconic street offers a glimpse into the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring allure of Parisian life.
| Landmark | Significance |
|---|---|
| Café de Flore | Legendary café where Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir held court |
| Les Deux Magots | Former hangout of Hemingway, Camus, and other literary icons |
| Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Oldest church in Paris, dating back to the 6th century |
| Académie Française | Prestigious institution that sets standards for the French language |
| Brasserie Lipp | Historic brasserie known for its traditional French cuisine |
Iconic Landmarks and Attractions
Beyond the chic boulevards, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood showcases an array of iconic landmarks that captivate visitors.
The tour explores the oldest church in Paris, the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which dates back to the 6th century and features stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Nearby, the prestigious Académie Française serves as the guardian of the French language, commanding respect from literary enthusiasts.
One of Paris’s largest churches, the imposing Saint-Sulpice, is also a highlight, boasting intricate sculptures and stunning stained-glass windows.
Plus, the tour visits a filming location from the popular Da Vinci Code movie, immersing guests in the captivating history and cultural significance of this vibrant Parisian neighborhood.
Artistic and Literary History
Saint-Germain-des-Prés has long been a magnet for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who’ve found inspiration in its charming streets and lively cafes.
Throughout the 20th century, this neighborhood played host to some of France’s most celebrated cultural figures, from existentialist philosophers to avant-garde painters.
Visitors can discover the former haunts of literary giants like Hemingway, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, who’d gather at iconic establishments like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore to debate ideas and exchange creative sparks.
The neighborhood’s reputation as an epicenter of French intellectualism and artistic expression continues to this day, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Paris’ rich cultural heritage.
The Da Vinci Code Connection
It’s not just the literary and artistic history that draws visitors to Saint-Germain-des-Prés – the neighborhood also played a starring role in the bestselling novel and blockbuster film, The Da Vinci Code.
Fans of the franchise can explore the very locations where pivotal scenes were filmed, including the iconic Saint-Sulpice Church, one of Paris’s largest and most impressive religious structures. In the movie, the church’s famous meridian line was the subject of intense investigation by the characters. Visitors can see this architectural curiosity for themselves.
Other key spots like the Dépôt des Augustins, where the characters uncovered clues about the secret society known as the Priory of Sion, can also be visited.
Visiting Église De Saint-Germain-Des-Prés
Towering over the charming square, the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés invites visitors to step inside its hallowed halls, where history whispers from every stone.
This Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece, dating back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest churches in Paris. As you wander its aisles, you’ll be captivated by the rich tapestry of art and architecture that adorns its interior. From the striking stained-glass windows to the intricate carved columns, each element reflects the church’s storied past.
Visitors can explore the crypt, which houses the tombs of several French nobility, and marvel at the impressive organ that has accompanied services for centuries.
The Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this vibrant neighborhood.
Transportation and Meeting Point
The walking tour conveniently meets outside the iconic Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which is accessible by multiple metro lines and bus routes, allowing visitors to easily reach the starting point.
Situated in the heart of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, the meeting location at 3 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés is well-connected and simple to find.
Travelers can take metro lines 4, 10, or hop on buses 95, 96, 87, or 39 to arrive at the stunning 6th-century church that serves as the gathering point for the guided tour.
With this convenient transportation, guests can seamlessly kick off their exploration of the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
Optional Upgrades and Enhancements
Along With the guided walking tour, travelers can choose to upgrade their experience with a narrated Seine river cruise, valid for one year from the tour date, as well as convenient Paris shuttle transportation.
The river cruise offers a serene and scenic way to view the city’s iconic landmarks along the Seine. Gliding past sites like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, travelers can sit back and enjoy the beauty of Paris from a unique perspective.
The Paris shuttle, meanwhile, provides hassle-free transportation to and from the meeting point, ensuring a seamless and comfortable start and end to the walking tour.
These optional upgrades allow visitors to tailor the experience to suit their preferences and maximize their time in the city.
Recap
Immersing oneself in the captivating allure of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one discovers the essence of Parisian elegance and cultural richness.
From the iconic landmarks to the literary haunts, this guided walking tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into the neighborhood’s enduring charm and its pivotal role in shaping the artistic fabric of the city.
Truly, an experience that transcends time and leaves a lasting impression on the senses.
