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St. Germain-des-Pres
St. Germain-des-Pres, located near the Latin Quarter and the Eiffel Tower, is considered one of the best neighborhoods to spend time in in central Paris. The metro is located right in the neighborhood along with many buses and taxis. St. Germain-des-Pres is known for being an upscale neighborhood. It is also known for the great thinkers, writers, and politicians who frequented its cafes. It is a great place to go for shopping, museums, food and people watching.
Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés
The St. Germain-des-Pres now a neighborhood, was originally the name of the first church in Paris. The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés was originally built in the 6th century, but like many old buildings, it has been knocked down and rebuilt more than once. The church was destroyed once by the Vikings and once during the French Revolution. The building as it stands today is a result of renovations made during the 19th century. The famous philosopher René Descartes is buried in the church, at least some of him is. The church is a Catholic church, as just like any other religious site, one should be respectful when visiting. The church is also a good place to go and see live concerts.
Hotels
This upscale neighborhood is not known for hotels on a budget. Finding a hostel in this neighborhood is not an option. However if you have the flexibility to afford an upscale hotel this might be the perfect neighborhood for you. The three start hotel, Hotel Le Clos Medicis is right in the middle of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This hotel is perfect for families because it offers babysitting services. It also offers internet, parking, and room service. For a two star option, try Hotel Clement. This hotel is small, but offers friendly service as well as some good prices. Finally, the Hotel de l'Abbaye offers guests of the St. Germain-des-Pres neighborhood a four star option. The hotel provides quiet accommodations amidst a bustling neighborhood. The hotel's staff will help make your stay comfortable by offering room service, concierge services, as well as being able to help direct you around Paris. Rooms at this hotel range from classic to modern, but each is luxurious. Some rooms even feature balconies.
Restaurants on St. Germain
Paris is known for its many cafes to sit in and St. Germain-des-Pres is no exception. One of the city's most famous cafes, Les Deux Magots, better known for its clientel than for its menu, can be found right in the middle of this bustling street. This cafe has housed many great European thinkers such as Oscar Wilde, Guillaume Appolinaire, and Simone de Beauvoir just to name a few. The cafe features two menus, a cafe menu with small bites and numerous drinks, as well as a dinner menu with more substantial fare. Another cafe famous for hosting many french intellectuals and clebrity ex-pats is the Cafe de Flore, located only a few storefronts down from les Deux Magots. Both of these cafes as very popular destinations and great places to people watch. Brasserie Lipp is another great option in this neighborhood. It serves heavier meals than its cafe counterparts. Brasserie Lipp has been a popular place to eat and drink since 1880.
Museums
Musee d’Orsay is a must see in the St. Germain-des-Pres neighborhood. This museum showcases great French works of art. It is also a beauty in itself. The museum if a former train station, but has been transformed into one of Paris's best museums. The Musée du Luxembourg is the first public museum in Paris. While there are wonderful exhibits inside the museum, you should not miss the gardens located outside the museum either. These well maintained, beautiful gardens are a popular attraction in St. Germain-des-Pres. While not quiet a museum, the Odeon Theatre is another must see in this part of town.





