Wander along the tree-lined quays, treat yourself to an arty shot in a cutting-edge gallery, grab a little dress in a pretty boutique or a beautiful book in a cult bookstore, sit down in a discreet starred restaurant or for a chic breakfast at Les Deux Magots... Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a call to a stroll that lasts, that lasts. Our selection of the best addresses in the neighborhood.
BRASS
The place: A new Parisian brasserie stirring up Saint Germain, BRASS is the perfect spot for demanding Parisians and travelers looking for a (real) taste of French cuisine. Vintage architecture by Dorothée Meilichzon, and a brilliant menu by Amine Boudali, the setting proves to be as warm as the service. In summer, we love its chic terrace overlooking the Mabillon intersection, and in winter its comforting interior.
Why do we go there? To enjoy the classics like this gratinated onion soup (€9), this bone marrow toast with fleur de sel (€14), and this top-notch duck foie gras (€22). Then come the traditional dishes like the knife-cut sausage and mashed potatoes (€19) or the pepper beef fillet (€33). This summer, seabass tartare, cucumber and granny smith (€22). For dessert, brioche like French toast (€14), soft like a cloud at its center.
To drink? Wine among the 80 references, carefully recommended by the managers.
BRASS, 131 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6e. Open Thursday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday to Wednesday from 12 p.m. to midnight.
Hôtel du Savoir
The place: Rue Racine. A discreet green door, a black and white checkerboard tile floor, a library full of Gallimard... The Hôtel du Savoir, with decor by Laune Architecture, is a real hideaway for solitary literary types and romantic couples. The soft and quiet atmosphere cuts you off from the Parisian hubbub of the nearby street. Note however: breakfast is taken at the hotel across the street, the Belloy St Germain, where you can also enjoy the lounge and bar.
Why do we go there? A view à la Rear Window that we enjoy day and night, and a desk with crystal decanter and 50s phone that makes you want to write a detective screenplay. The most beautiful room, the “Double Balcony”, lets you admire the city from the rooftops. Victim of its own success, you need a bit of patience to book it! Novels are scattered all over the hotel: no need, then, to carry your own tome.
Hôtel du Savoir, 1 rue Racine, Paris 6e. Double room from €280.
Martin Martin
The place: Dress lovers and refined Parisiennes already knew the ultra-feminine wardrobe of Martin Martin. The label founded in 2019 by Capucine Martin has just unveiled its first showcase in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés: a charming boutique with parquet flooring, gilding, and thick curtains to stage equally sophisticated collections.
Why do we go there? To try in real life the wonders of the current collection, like ivory trousers (€300), a sun yellow skirt (€185), a lace set (pants €250), a dress both chic and devilishly sexy with a dizzying neckline, or a shell barrette (€40).
Martin Martin, 95 rue de Seine, Paris 6e. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wani
The place: A stone’s throw from Bon Marché, head to Wani, the baby spot of Japanese chef Sugio Yamaguchi (Botanique) who clearly has a passion for plants. Long and narrow, it unfolds in a raw and minimalist space, reveals its kitchen, and has around ten seats inside. And it’s often full. Option 1: the small bench outside to enjoy the moment under the Paris sky Option 2: take it all to go!
Why do we go there? To drink a matcha organic latte with “homemade almond milk” option (€7) or the hot chocolate from Nicolas Berger (€6.50). We enjoy the insane toast with cow’s tomme and slices of black truffle (€18), or the so chic plant-based madeleine with Caviar (€25)
Sweet side: matcha flan (€9), or the sublime “citrus balm”, a crème brûlée nestled in a half orange, topped with a thin layer of crunchy caramel (€7).
Wani, 7 ter rue Saint-Placide, Paris 6e. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
blueberry
The place: with its ultra- cinematic decor inspired by the films of Wong Kar Wai , the very stylish Blueberry is an immediate eye-catcher! In the hands of the Vaconsin sisters ( Marcello ), this fine restaurant, which will soon celebrate its tenth birthday, is one of the best Asian pickaxes in Saint-Germain-des-Prés . At the helm, a new chef, Alberto Fulong , who also offers a carte blanche plate that changes according to his inspiration.
Why are we going there ? It is for its signature makis that Blueberry has become the darling of discerning palates fond of salty delicacies : the iconic Rackham Le Rouge with marinated tuna, truffle, prawn tempura (€23 for 6 pieces), Trans- Siberian (snow crab, prawns, Salmon roe, apple, grapefruit (€27 for 6), sushi, sashimi and chirashis, mochi (€8 for 2) or black sesame tiramisu (€12).
Blueberry , 6 rue du Sabot, Paris 6 th . Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (3 p.m. on Saturday) and from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 01 42 22 21 56.
© Gabriel Pistre
The Two Magots
The place: once upon a time there was the Deux Magots ... Wedged on the cobblestones of the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés opposite the church , this institution which has seen the illustrious personalities of the last century ( Hemingway , Verlaine , Picasso …) still and always loves the beautiful Parisian world. On its royal terrace or in its large retro chic room, here everything is tasted with a little more class than elsewhere.
Why are we going there ? For a stylish breakfast, of course! We head for the JP Sartre breakfast (€27) with hot drink (coffee, old-fashioned chocolate or Dammann tea), two pastries and toast, freshly squeezed fruit juice, yogurt or fruit salad. Or the savory version with the Hemingway breakfast (€29) and its eggs as you please (fried or plain omelette, ham, cheese). Note for swing lovers : meet up for Les Jeudis du jazz on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the legendary Deux Magots room, which is surrounded by the vibes of saxophones, guitars, double basses and pianos (reservation strongly recommended) .
Les Deux Magots , 6 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6e. Open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. 01 45 48 55 25.
Allison
The place: a friendly little family store on the corner of rue de Buci which deals in the nuggets unearthed by Allison from the collections of small brands such as accessories from Maison Badigo or dresses from Jane Wood and knitwear from Samsoe Samsoe.
Why are we going there ? To find all kinds of colorful clothes and accessories and satisfy our desires for small favorite purchases. Crochet bucket hat , leopard pants , wrap dress , pretty socks , dozens of t-shirts , bags , jackets … For all prices, from €10 to €500 for a coat, for example.
Allison , 1 rue de Buci, Paris 6e. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sundays and Mondays from 11 a.m. 01 43 26 88 82.
Ze Kitchen Gallery
The place: vinaigrettes, broths and condiments hold no secrets for him. The king of creative gastronomy William Ledeuil continues to amaze his guests at his starred restaurant Ze Kitchen Galerie , a stone's throw from the Pont Neuf . Note: further down the street, Kitchen Galerie Bis (KGB) is the Asian extension of the parent company, with divine little plates to share.
Why are we going there ? Marinated line-caught fish, lobster ravioli, catch of the day in bouillabaisse juice, guinea fowl with quetsche condiment, wasabi white chocolate ice cream… The journey is constant, the discovery always happy.
Ze Kitchen Gallery , 4 rue des Grands Augustins, Paris 6e. Open Monday to Friday from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. then from 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 01 44 32 00 32. Lunch menu (starter–main–dessert) €49, 5-course dinner €95.
The society
The place: the most chic meeting place in the 6th! A sublime terrace highly acclaimed at the slightest ray of sunshine and a more than elegant interior signed Christian Liaigre , where it is possible to have lunch or dinner in beautiful armchairs or on an impeccably set table.
Why are we going there ? To discreetly ogle the door so as not to miss the entrance of the stars incognito, to listen to the passionate debates of our neighbors at the tables of the neighborhood gallery owners or political figures , for the quality of an irreproachable service, and for a crying tiger ( €44) typically Costes , whose success has already conquered all of Paris.
La Société , 4 place Saint Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6th, open Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
© Eric Morin and © Instagram/@lisableymade
Librairie Taschen
The place: the haunt of the boho intelligentsia of Saint-Germain , or the store of reference for all the books with the cover so stylish that you are dying to leave them prominently on your coffee table. Impossible to leave empty-handed!
Why are we going there ? Taschen owes its notoriety largely thanks to books on subjects usually ignored by traditional bookstores. Painting , fashion , design , but also queer art , pop culture and erotic black and white photographs, enough to fill up on gift ideas. Psst: remember to watch the sales of the shop which regularly sell off its beautiful books.
Taschen , 2 rue de Buci, Paris 6th, open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Assa Spa
The place: a traditional inn from the Land of the Rising Sun , a haven of peace and serenity, a setting of typically Japanese simplicity and refinement, all nestled in the heart of the 6th arrondissement. The dream!
Why are we going there ? For a shiatsu session (€100 per hour), this traditional Japanese massage which rebalances energy, reduces stress and tension and stabilizes the energy system as a whole. An address where the word omotenashi takes on its full meaning: Japanese hospitality.
Assa Spa , 8 rue Christine, Paris 6e. Open Tuesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 01 46 34 59 08.
AND ALWAYS...
- The stunning decoration of Maison Caravane 27 rue Jacob, Paris 6th
- Marcello 's romantic terrace 8 rue Mabillon , Paris 6th
- The couture wine cellar of Augustin wine merchant 26 rue des Grands Augustins, Paris 6th
- The cutting-edge exhibitions of the Kamel Mennour gallery 5 rue du Pont de Lodi, Paris 6th
- Seafood from Huguette 81 rue de Seine, Paris 6th
- The unique jewels of Isabelle Toledano 40 rue Dauphine, Paris 6th
- The comic strips of the Traits d'Esprits gallery 35 rue Bonaparte, Paris 6th
- The hairdresser of the stars Christophe Nicolas Biot 52 rue Saint-André-des-Arts, Paris 6th
- The sublime flowers of Oz Garden 8 rue de Furstemberg, Paris 6th
- The Japanese knives of Kama-Asa 12 rue Jacob, Paris 6th
Also discover the three decoration boutiques on rue Jacob and the most chic terrace in Saint-Germain-des-Prés .