*Please note: Due to evolving Covid-19 measures, we cannot ensure the information above will be accurate at the time of your visit. We recommend checking opening hours and offerings on the locations’ websites directly before visiting.
From 17th-century intellectuals to post-World War II Existentialists to New-Wave filmmakers and musicians, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has long drawn those who push the envelope. The Left Bank epicenter of artistic life is decidedly more bourgeois than bohemian today. Still, it’s tough to beat its quintessential cobblestoned streets, hidden corners, and see-and-be-seen cafés.
While you could spend an entire day just weaving its narrow streets, here are some of the addresses we recommend checking out on a Sunday in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Where to Eat
Freddy’s: The fourth St-Germain restaurant by Drew Harré and Juan Sanchez (Semilla, Fish, Cosi), Freddy’s is the perfect stop-off when you want an elevated meal without the fuss. The wine bar serves creative small plates from its open kitchen, with a focus on all things grilled.
Kodawari Ramen: Rue Mazarine gets the Tokyo touch at this bustling ramen joint. And it’s not just the menu that feels straight out of Shibuya; the décor and sound treatments are all-in, too. A tip for the black sesame lovers out there: Try the Kurogoma Ninniku ramen.
To-go bonus: If you’re on Instagram you’ve undoubtedly seen stylized photos of Circus Bakery’s Swedish cinnamon buns floating around. The buns themselves seem to be getting smaller as their queue and prices grow. Still, they remain a worthy on-the-go indulgence for now.
Where to go for Tea or Coffee
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Picasso or Sartre, you’ll have to stop at one of Saint-Germain’s historic cafés, like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. Are they entirely overpriced? Yes. Is it worth it once in a while? Of course.
For a higher-quality cup sans the boulevard-side people-watching, wander down towards Odéon towards Coutume. And if tea’s more your thing, pop by Lupicia for an afternoon pot and pastry.
Where to View Art
Monnaie de Paris: Cruising down the Left Bank of the Seine, you’d almost miss the Monnaie de Paris if you didn’t know it was there. Like many buildings in Paris, the most interesting parts sit behind the façade. The former mint was known for showing unexpected contemporary work (Maurizio Cattelan, Kiki Smith). Now it has decided to shift strategy and will host a wider range of exhibitions. Currently on view: “Akan, the values of trade.”
Musée National Eugène Delacroix: Tucked away off one of Paris’s most charming places on rue de Furstemberg, this museum is entirely dedicated to the 18th-century painter. The space, Delacroix’s former apartment and atelier, is small enough to be approachable yet large enough to remain interesting.
Where to go Shopping
Kilo Shop: Any vintage lover in Paris should know Kilo Shop. Generally boasting a solid selection of wares, the friperie chain has several locations around Paris, including one on Boulevard Saint-Germain.
L’Artisan Parfumeur: This chic mini boutique on the boulevard traffics in intoxicating scents for the body and home. Oddly enough, the brand is the result of a dare: creator Jean Laporte was challenged to bring his chemistry skills into the limelight and create a banana scent for a dancer at the Folies Bergères who was to wear a costume bearing the same fruit. The scent was a success and Laporte was inspired to explore further. Lucky us!
How to Get There
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is, not surprisingly, centered around the eponymous line 4 metro station. But you can also take the 10 to Mabillon or the 12 to rue du Bac.
Addresses (and opening hours) for a Perfect Sunday in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Freddy’s: 54 rue de Seine, 75006. Open every day 12-midnight.
- Kodawari Ramen: 29 rue Mazarine, 75006. Open 12:00-16:00, 18:30-22:30 Sundays.
- Circus Bakery: 63 rue Galande, 75005. Open 8:00-20:00 Sundays.
- Café de Flore: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006. Open 7:30-1 :30 Sundays.
- Coutume Café: 60 Rue des Écoles, 75005. Open 10:00-18:00 Sundays.
- Maison de Thé Lupicia: 40 rue Bonaparte. Open 11:00-19:00 Sundays.
- Monnaie de Paris: 11 quai de Conti, 75006. Open 11:00-19:00 Sundays.
- Musée National Eugène Delacroix: 6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006. Open 9:30-17:30 Sundays.
- Kilo Shop: 125 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006. Open 14:00-19:30 Sundays.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur: 167 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006. Open 13:00-19:00 Sundays.
Related Links
- Want to explore other Parisian neighborhoods on a Sunday? Check out our guides for Montmartre and Le Marais
- Learn more about Saint-Germain-des-Prés cafés Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore
- If you’re looking for the perfect place for a Sunday lunch in Paris, head to Philippe Stark’s Ma Cocotte
Written by Erin Dahl for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
Our favorite neighborhood to stay in whenever we visit. Oh, how we miss Paris!