France · Walking Tours

3-Hour Saint-Germain Walking Tour with Belle Époque Cafés

3 Hours Round trip from Pl. Saint-Michel Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover architecture from medieval to Belle Époque styles in Paris
  • 02 Explore literary cafés visited by famous writers and philosophers
  • 03 Learn about Saint-Sulpice's Gnomon and its connection to "The Da Vinci Code"
  • 04 Visit historic sites including the Picasso Studio and Gothic churches
  • 05 Enjoy a picturesque walk through charming squares and gardens

Enjoy views of Parisian architecture ranging from medieval to Haussmann and Belle Époque styles as you explore Saint-Germain and its historic surroundings. Learn about Saint-Sulpice's occult Gnomon, Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," and the Priory of Sion, while soaking up the Belle Époque atmosphere of literary cafés. See three famous cafés and some of the city's oldest coffee houses, celebrated for their illustrious clientele and as gathering places for writers and philosophers.

Enjoy views of Parisian architecture ranging from medieval to Haussmann and Belle Époque styles as you explore Saint-Germain and its historic surroundings.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Saint-Germain, Belle Époque Cafés and Historic Paris

Visit the following sites on your tour:

  • Fontaine Saint-Michel, the last monumental wall fountain built in Paris, in an eclectic style.

  • Hôtel Fécamp, with the terrifying history of the Marquise de Brinvilliers and stories of poisons and alchemy, featuring medieval architecture.

  • Immeuble Hennebique (1898-1900), a historical landmark and an example of Art Nouveau architecture.

  • Picasso Studio, a hôtel particulier mansion.

  • Café Le Procope.

  • Musée National Eugène Delacroix, passing by the artist's house and studio.

  • Place de Furstenberg, a charming square with elegant lamp posts and the Catholic Institute.

  • Place Saint-Germain des Prés.

  • Café de Flore.

  • Saint-Sulpice, the second-largest church in Paris, and its Gnomon, which gained popularity in 2003 through Dan Brown's bestseller "The Da Vinci Code," in Baroque style.

  • Luxembourg Palace and Gardens (pass by).

  • Odéon.

  • Sarah Bernhardt's house.

  • Sorbonne University, a Roman well, and the Observatory of Sorbonne.

  • The wolf statue of Romulus and Remus at Square Paul-Painlevé.

  • Cluny Museum*, the National Museum of the Middle Ages, and the Roman Baths.

  • Saint-Severin Gothic Church and the history of the richest heiress in Europe.

  • End of the tour.

Fontaine Saint-Michel, Saint-Sulpice, Café de Flore, Luxembourg Palace

Where this trip takes you

Fontaine Saint-Michel, Saint-Sulpice, Café de Flore, Luxembourg Palace

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pl. Saint-Michel 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Paris tour guide services

What's Not Included

  • Anything not mentioned

What to bring

  • A small bottle of water

  • Please wear comfortable shoes.

Know before you go

  • We meet all travellers at the starting point:

    • Starting point: Place Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France. The guide will stand in front of the fountain with a telescopic stick in hand. You can get there by Metro Line 4, RER C, RER B, Uber, or taxi. Metro station: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.

    • Endpoint: Saint-Séverin Church, close to the starting point (1 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris).

  • The tour ends a 3-minute walk from where it started.

  • The tour is considered moderate due to its length.

  • The tour length is about 3.5-4 km.

  • The tour can be held at night, upon request, from:
    5 / 6 pm - 8 / 9 pm (from May to October)
    7 pm - 10 pm (from November to April). Please inquire.

  • On this tour, you will learn about different subjects, from terrifying crimes, famous lovers, and important figures of the Enlightenment and the "Lost Generation" to the East European diaspora. You will enjoy views of different types of architecture, from medieval to Haussmann and Belle Époque styles. You will find out about Saint-Sulpice's occult Gnomon, Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," and the Priory of Sion. You will also indulge yourself in the Belle Époque atmosphere of literary cafés, seeing three famous cafés and some of the oldest coffee houses in Paris, celebrated for their famous clientele and as places where writers and philosophers once gathered.

  • You will admire the famous Sorbonne University, the Roman Baths, and astonishing Gothic churches.

  • The tour ends in an area packed with restaurants for you to enjoy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Place Saint-Michel, Paris, France
Tour start
Pl. Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, France
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Pl. Saint-Michel.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

EUR 180 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total