Next stop: Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Amid literary cafés, theaters, and universities, a new cultural destination awaits you. In the heart of this bustling hub, discover the Marché Saint-Germain. Refined and minimalist, this covered market is home to international brands and renowned restaurants beneath its arches. It’s the perfect spot for a chic and serene stroll.
The historic artistic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is home to the Pont des Arts and welcomes you. Once home to Parisian intellectuals of the time, it boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Stroll through its streets, hang a padlock on the Pont des Arts, visit its abbeys, and take a break at the Café de Flore.
The luxurious covered market in the heart of the capital
Fun facts and interesting tidbits about the Saint-Germain Market
1. A market and two Napoleons
Inspired by Italian public squares, architect Jean-Baptiste Blondel proposed the construction of four galleries surrounding a 6,900 m² rectangle as part of the project to beautify Paris undertaken by Napoleon I. Thus, the first Marché Saint-Germain was established in 1817. In 1960, Napoleon III had a roof added to the building at the request of the merchants, transforming it into the covered market we know today.
2. Saved by a nonprofit organization
In the 1970s, the City of Paris planned to demolish the Saint-Germain Market to build a massive real estate complex, including a supermarket, public facilities, housing, and offices. To prevent this demolition, in January 1971, an association dedicated to preserving the market proposed a project that would respect the original architecture while incorporating modern facilities. After an 18-year struggle, a plan that was more respectful of the original building was finally chosen in 1989, and the market site and its surroundings were designated as historic landmarks.
What can you do at the Saint-Germain Market?
The Saint-Germain Market offers a diverse shopping experience in addition to its food halls, featuring four international brands: Apple Store, Nespresso, Uniqlo, and Mark & Spencer Food. And if you’re in the mood for a quick gourmet break or an exceptional meal, two prestigious restaurants await you. Chef Baptiste Trudel, a contestant on Top Chef 2021, delights visitors with his cuisine at Le Mordu, while Bistro Camdeborde offers a refined dining experience. A variety of options to satisfy every taste at this iconic location.
Right now, you can experience the Spanish dance show *We Call It Flamenco* in Paris. Treat yourself to an Andalusian evening without buying a plane ticket, and let yourself be carried away by the singing, the guitar, and the fiery dance steps.
Right in the heart of Paris, the Salle Jacques Higelin at the MPAA/Saint-Germain has also hosted the most beautiful serenades by candlelight alone. If you’re familiar with Candlelight, you know that the magic of candlelit concerts takes place in some of Paris’s most beautiful and unusual venues. In the city’s famous theaters, majestic churches, and unexpected hidden gems, tributes to the greatest artists resonate by candlelight.