Saint-Germain-des-Prés is without doubt the Parisian district where time seems to have almost stood still. And yet, different eras rub shoulders with one another in the different architectural styles, with some buildings and monuments dating back tomedieval times!
And here they are, frozen, ready to face the centuries, uniting their styles to offer the world an eternal retrospective of the city of Paris. But Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also famous for its love of literature. Bouquinistes display their beautiful aged leather bindings in shop windows, while other stores run by antique dealers offer unusual collectibles, from typewriters to vintage cameras and porcelain dolls.
In Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Odéon district, luxury and refinement à la française are also the order of the day, as evidenced by fashion, beauty and even home furnishings brands that follow one another and never resemble one another, while remaining faithful to the haute-couture image that Paris conveys around the world. Gastronomy also has its place here, with every street a place of honor, from the local bistro to the passionate wine merchant for whom wine holds no secrets.
As you'll have gathered, this district has more than one trick up its sleeve to help you experience and (re)discover thesoul of Paris in all its many facets. To discover Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Odéon district from every angle, follow the guide!
The Saint-Sulpice fountain
The Saint-Sulpice fountain was designed by Louis Visconti, who was also responsible for the Molière fountain. Erected between 1843 and 1848, this imposing 12-metre-high Renaissance-style fountain is topped by an aedicula. Each face houses a larger-than-life statue of bishops under Louis XIV: Bossuet, Fénelon, Massillon and Fléchier. In the basins, four lions watch over the fountain.
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Discover all these great addresses on the map below!
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Enjoy your visit to Saint-Germain-des-Prés!
What to do in Paris's 6th arrondissement? Good addresses and ideas for outings
