Why You Should Live in Paris' Saint-Germain-des-Près

Paris is a big city! Its very distinct identity and vibe might make it seem like it's just one small city, but it's not. Paris is made up of entirely different districts, unique neighborhoods, and cool corners. Each one isn't like the other and it's important that people who are going to move here know that. Take Saint-Germain-des-Près, for instance. To say that there's no other area in Paris quite like this one is an understatement. With its rich history and strong energy, it's one part of the French capital that has helped form its identity of the years.

 

Cafe Society of Intellectuals

Paris is practically a collection of cafès, that's a given. You won't find a Parisian neighborhood without at least a handful of them in the area. There are blocks that are virtually made up of cafès here. But the ones in Saint-Germain-des-Près are special. Back in the 1920s Paris, these coffee shops used to be the hang-outs of the intellectual crowd. From philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus to writers such as Ernst Hemingway and Gertrude Stein, a lot of these cafes bore witness the exploration of new ideas and the revolution of social norms. Some that you can visit while living here include the famous Les Deux Magots and Cafè de Flore.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The Sweet Side of Paris

Are you a sweet tooth? Can't go a day without desserts? Then you ought to live in Saint-Germain-des-Près if you're moving to Paris. Sure, most cafès in the city bake their own goodies, but this district has some of the best sweet shops in the French capital. And since Paris is known for their breakfast pastries and desserts, you could say these delectable hotspots are the best of their kind in the whole world as well. There's the iconic Ladurée, where you can get either the famous pastel macarons or a nice Saint Honoré cake, and Pierre Hermé's shop, who's known for his colorful confections. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Chocolates Galore!

Now, there's one type of sweet Saint-Germain-des-Près that deserves special mention—chocolate! You could say that within the French capital, Saint-Germain-des-Près is the capital of chocolate. There are so many great shops that sell them, each with their own unique take on the famous treat. Maison Mulot, for instance, is known for its chocolate-covered, choclate-filled, and even chocolate-flavored pastries. While Patrick Roger offers chocolate with different fillings or coated on a variety of other treats. Just imagine going to one of them to buy a box or two just so you could have some sweet in your home! That'd be the life, right? 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Some Botanical Bliss 

It's no secret that Paris boasts a lot of parks. Each more beautiful than the next, they not only help liven things up but provide some sort of quiet retreat for those who need them. The French capital is an incredibly busy city after all. Living here might often require some alone time, preferably somewhere peaceful. And the many gardens and parks in Saint-Germain-des-Près can provide such retreats. The most famous of which, Jardin du Luxembourg, is exceptionally beautiful and vast enough that you can find a little corner on your own here. When you need a breather, take a stroll here, enjoy that fresh air, and get lost in the botanical bliss. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Enjoy Some Entertainment

The rich history, sweet treats, and beautiful parks aren't the only worthwhile things to expect when you move to Saint-Germain-des-Près. Just by thinking of those things alone, you'd probably conclude that this district is quite boring. But it's not! There's plenty of entertainment in this part of the French capital. A whole host of movie cinemas, theaters, and more! A good example is the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe, a famous Greek-inspired shrine for the dramatic arts that perform plays every season. When you're bored during the weekend or you no longer have other date ideas, going here would be a wise choice! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Peaceful Nightlife Scene

Ultimately, Saint-Germain-des-Près is a peaceful area of Paris. And that's saying something, as the "City of Lights" is rarely a tranquil place when the sun goes down. But you can expect this part of the city to be fairly calm at night. There are still some bars, nighttime cafes, and brasseries that stay open until the wee hours of the night, but they're not so noisy that you won't be able to sleep in your luxury apartment. Instead of people dancing to club music, you're more likely to hear passionate discussions on politics, society, and more here. Just like the good ol' days! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

If you think of Paris as this upscale, elite, and sophisticated city of intellectualism and philosophy, you can thank Saint-Germain-des-Près for that. This is where it's at if you want to live in a place that's high-brow and highly enjoyable!