Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Indulging in an exquisitely Parisian moment in the sculpture-filled gardens of the
Feasting your eyes on the fantastical food displays at
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
.
Visiting Napoléon's elaborate tomb in the monumental
Hôtel des Invalides
complex.
Explore St-Germain & Les Invalides
Despite gentrification since its early-20th-century bohemian days, there remains a startling
cinematic quality to this soulful part of the Left Bank where artists, writers, actors and musi-
cians cross paths and
la vie germanopratine
(St-Germain life) is
belle
.
This is one of those neighbourhoods whose very fabric is an attraction in itself, so allow
plenty of time to stroll its side streets and stop at its fabled literary cafes, its
prêt-à-porter
stores, its gourmet shops, its grand department store Le Bon Marché, and its vast white
spaces showcasing interior design. In between, view Delacroix's works at the Église St-
Sulpice and his former studio, the Musée National Eugène Delacroix, linger in the
masterpiece-filled sculpture garden of the Musée Rodin, and be moved by the handwritten
letters and annotations of renowned scientists, musicians, artists, authors and other historical
figures at the Musée des Lettres et Manuscrits.
Entry to the Musée d'Orsay is cheaper in the late afternoon, so it's an ideal time to check
out its breathtaking collections, before dining at the area's stylish restaurants and swizzling
cocktails at its bars.
Local Life
Park life
To see Parisians at play, visit the city's most popular park, the beautiful
Jardin
du Luxembourg
, is a must-stroll, particularly at weekends.
Market life
Street markets where locals stock up on bountiful fresh produce include
Marché Raspail
and
rue Cler
.
Fashion finds
Scour the racks for designer cast-offs at St-Germain's secondhand
boutiques.