How to Spend a Day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Paris is filled with monuments, museums, and neighborhoods. I have been traveling to Paris for over fifteen years, and the city continues to change and evolve. The city is divided into the Left Bank and the Right Bank, each with its unique vibe. While I love the Right Bank and all it has to offer, my husband prefers the Left Bank. If he had to choose, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is his favorite neighborhood.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is rich in history, filled with museums, artists, galleries, restaurants, and cafés. For a complete guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you can read this post.

If you plan a weekend or weeklong trip to Paris, I highly recommend spending a day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Here are my recommendations on How to Spend a Day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Morning:

Start with a cup of coffee at a craft coffee spot. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is filled with craft coffee spots offering coffee to go. You can stroll the neighborhood in the early morning with a latte or flat white. (my favorite coffee order)

Saint Pearl opens at 8 a.m. and serves incredible cinnamon rolls. Early risers are rewarded with warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. Another favorite coffee shop in the area is Café d’Auteur on Rue Mazarine.

If you aren’t an early riser and prefer a Parisian breakfast, enjoy the terrace at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots on Boulevard Saint Germain. Order a tartine, butter, jam, or a croissant and crème for a classic breakfast. Start your day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés slowly and enjoy the day at your own pace.

Late Morning:

Spend a few hours at the Musée d’Orsay discovering the French impressionist art.

If you prefer to skip the museum, you can flâneur down Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés and explore some side streets. Spend some time shopping at Le Bon Marché and the boutiques on Rue du Bac.

Lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

For a classic French, try Café Varenne. Don’t miss out on their chalkboard menu specials.

Skip dessert at lunch and find a pastry along Rue du Bac.

Afternoon:

Soak up the sunshine at Luxembourg Gardens with a good book. Grab a green chair and enjoy the gardens.

Pick up some souvenirs outside Luxembourg Gardens at Marin Montagut on Rue Madame.

Rainy afternoon? Wait out the rain on a covered terrace on Rue de Bucci for great people-watching.

Late Afternoon:

Find a spot at Freddy’s on Rue de Seine for a glass of wine and small bites.

Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Book a dinner at Bistro des Lettres for a classic French dinner. Make sure to order the French onion soup.

Want a change of cuisine for dinner? Try Chez Bartolo for pizza or Localino for pasta.

Evening in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Grab a cocktail at Bar James Joyce at Pavillon Faubourg Saint Germain.