From Saint-Germain to Saint-Michel: guided tour Activity

The origins of the town of Saint-Germain go back to the 6th century. childebert, son of Clovis, besieged the Visigoths in Saragossa in 542. On his return to the Frankish kingdom, on the advice of the abbot Germain, he had a basilica built outside Paris to house his treasure, the relics of Saint Vincent of Saragossa: a cloak, a gold reliquary cross, precious stones...

The basilica was consecrated in December 558, the day Childebert died! It became a royal necropolis, before the basilica of Saint-Denis. Little by little, the basilica became an abbey and was the most important monastic complex in Paris, attracting students, scholars, writers and publishers. The town of Saint-Germain competed directly with the University of Paris (Montagne Sainte-Geneviève), establishing numerous colleges in its streets.

In the 20th century, the district became the place for artists - who met in the cafés - and students, and for parties, especially after the war with its famous cellars where jazz was played.

Our route: you will discover the thousand facets of the oldest church in Paris, with its magnificently restored choir, then the mythical cafés Les Deux Magots and the Café de Flore, the quiet Place de Furstenberg where Delacroix lived, the lively Rue de Buci, the first literary café in Paris (1686!) Le Procope, the meeting place of philosophers and revolutionaries, the picturesque Cour du Commerce Saint-André and the rue Saint-André-des-Arts, whose name recalls the old church at the end of the street.the name of the street recalls the old church at the end of the street - not far from the Saint-Michel fountain - which has retained its original shape and some 17th century hotels.

• Guided tour
• Entry ticket