Are you planning to visit Paris in the spring and wondering where are the best places to stay?
Spring weather arrives in Paris in early March, triggering a dazzling display of beautiful cherry blossoms and other spring flowers in the city's parks, the arrival of fragrant gariguette strawberries in city's best street markets, cruise boats on the Seine River, and the pleasure of sipping your favorite beverage at a sidewalk cafe while you soak up the sun.
These are the spring pleasures we keep in mind when choosing where to stay during our own spring trips to Paris - in addition, of course, to convenient access to the top destinations we're planning to visit.
In this article, we recommend the seven wonderful Paris neighborhoods for spring visits, whether you're a first-time visitor who wants to be close to top attractions, or a return visitor planning to explore lesser-known and hidden gems. They also include some great options if you're visiting with kids and teens, or looking for budget-friendly choices.
Here's what you'll find in this article:
Later:
If you're a first-time Paris visitor, you probably want to be close to top destinations such as Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Sacre Coeur, and maybe even a nearby RER train station to Versailles or Disney.
If you're a return visitor, you may be planning to explore some of the city's lesser-known attractions - maybe a few of its many fashion museums and galleries, iconic neighborhoods, and a flea market (or two).
If you're traveling with kids or teens, being near a can keep everyone happy.
Top photo: Cherry blossoms blooming near the Eiffel Tower in the spring, (c) Paris Discovery Guide
Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you. Thank you for your support!!!
1. Paris's Le Marais: Where to Stay near Spring Flowers, Secret Gardens, & Notre Dame Cathedral
The popular Marais neighborhood occupies much of Paris's 3rd and 4th districts on the city's Right Bank, including a swath along the Seine River.
Although the Marais' many museums and art galleries, popular shopping destinations, and wonderful bistros and cafes make it a terrific place to stay during a Paris visit throughout the year, spring brings an extra bonus as the neighborhood's numerous small parks and public gardens burst into bloom.
If you choose a Marais hotel or apartment situated near the Seine River for your spring stay, you're also just a short 5-6 minute walk from Île de la Cité, home to Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.
Here are some fun ways to get acquainted with the neighborhood:
- Marais Highlights Small Group Walking Tour - See famous and lesser-known places in the Marais while learning about this historical Paris neighborhood
- Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour in Le Marais - Macarons, croissants, chocolates, French onion soup, wine - these are just a few of the treats you'll taste on this highly rated culinary tour of the Marais
- Off-the-Beaten Track in Paris: 2-Hour Vintage 2CV Tour - Ride in comfort while your driver takes you to see interesting places in the Marais and other Paris neighborhoods - perfect way for a rainy day
- Île de la Cité Walking Tour, Seine Cruise, & Skip-the-Line Sainte-Chapelle - Explore the island on this guided walking tour; get tickets to visit Sainte-Chapelle and take a Seine River cruise on your own
Best Small, Hidden, & Secret Marais Gardens for Enjoying Spring Flowers
Here's where you can find some of our favorite hidden and little-known parks and public gardens:
- Jardin Anne-Frank - On Rue Beaubourg near the Beaubourg metro station, look for the Impasse Berthaude alley. Walk down the alley until you spot the garden with breath-taking cherry blossoms in late March/early April
- Jardin des Arts Albert-Schweitzer - One of the newest Marais public gardens, with stunning lilacs in April; located near the Pont-Marie metro station
- Square Saint-Gilles Grand Veneur Pauline-Roland - Spectacular when the roses start blooming in May. From Rue Villehardouin, walk to the end of Rue de Hesse and you'll see it on the left
Top Museums & Other Cultural Attractions in the Marais
Staying in the Marais gives you easy access to the neighborhood's many fascinating museums, such as the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature), the Picasso Museum, and Musée Carnavalet (history of Paris) just to name a few.
Photography fans should not miss the Maison Européanne de la Photographie (5 Rue de Fourcy, 4th arr) and Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson (79 Rue des Archives, 3rd arr).
Sadly, the Marais' most famous art museum, Centre Pompidou, will close for 5 years of renovations in early March, but they will continue to exhibit parts of their collections of modern and contemporary art in other venues.
Where to Shop in the Marais
The Marais neighborhood offers a dizzying assortment of international brands and designers, French retailers, indie boutiques, and vintage shops - and all will be displaying their latest spring collections in their windows.
Wondering where to start?
Our favorite shopping streets include Rue de Rivoli (where you'll find the elegant BHV Marais grand magasin (department store), fun and affordable Hema from the Netherlands, and everything in between, Rue de Frances Bourgeois, Rue de Vieille-du-Temple, Rue des Coutures Saint-Gervais, Rue de Bretagne, and the historical Village Saint-Paul.
Top Marais Hotels for Your Spring Visit to Paris
Quick tip about staying in the Marais in the spring: This charming and highly desireable neighbood doesn't have enough hotel rooms for the large numbers of visitors who want to stay here.
From about mid-March through late October, getting reservations - especially if you want to stay for more than 2 or 3 nights in a row - can get quite challenging. So if you want to stay here for some or all of your spring trip to Paris, do not wait to book!
- Hotel 9Confidential - The pale golden tones and wonderful light in this 4-star hotel near the Seine River feel like spring
- Hotel Caron le Marais - A serene 3-star hotel on a quiet street in a central Marais location
- Hotel de JoBo - With jewel-like tones and a floral motif, this hotel's 24 guest rooms and suites make you feel like you're in a garden
- Grand Hotel Malher - Family-run for 3 generations, this 3-star hotel offers 28 guestrooms (including some with balconies) and affordable rates
- Hotel de la Bretonnerie - This charming 3-star hotel in a 17th century former mansion is in a wonderful location near the National Archives
Find more hotels in the Marais
2. Where to Stay near the Eiffel Tower in Spring
Are you a first-time or return visitor to Paris with iconic destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Napoleon's Tomb and the Army Museum at Invalides, the Orsay Museum, an authentic market street, and a Seine River cruise on your "must-do" bucket list?
If so, you may want to consider staying in the 7th arrondissement neighborhood known as Gros Caillou (which means "big rock), which puts you within easy walking distance of all of these attractions - except for Versailles, located outside of the city, but you can easily hop on the RER at the station by the river and reach the famous chateau in about half an hour.
Although the area right around the Eiffel Tower does attract a lot of tourists, the rest of the upscale neighborhood has a more relaxed, more authentic residential vibe.
More Reasons to Stay in Paris's Gros Caillou Neighborhood in the Spring
1. You're Close to Perfect Spring Views of the Eiffel Tower & Cherry Blossoms
If you want to see the Eiffel Tower surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms, just walk across Champs de Mars, the big park where the Tower is located, until you find the perfect spot.
Lots of different cherry varieties grow in Paris. They bloom at slightly different times during about a 6-week period in March and April, so you can almost always find cherry blossoms somewhere.
To find the gorgeous deep-pink double-flowered Kwanzan cherries shown in our photo, walk across the Pont de l'Alma bridge to the opposite side of the Seine. This brings you to Trocadero Gardens, directly across from the Tower.
Walk up the slope, and you'll find many spots where the blossoms "frame" the Iron Lady. Most years, the blooms reach their peak at about the same time as the Paris Marathon which is usualy held on the second Sunday in April (very occasionally, when the Marathon falls on Easter Sunday, it moves to the week before or after).
Of course, you can visit the Eiffel Tower or Trocadero Gardens to view cherry blossoms wherever you stay in Paris, but choosing a nearby hotel means you can easily go every day if you want (and you should, during this most beautiful season).
2. You Can Easily Hop on a Cruise & See Paris by Water
Did you know that many of Paris's most famous and iconic attractions cluster along the Seine River? And one of the largest and highest rated river cruise operators, Bateaux Parisiens, departs from Port de la Bourdonnais at the foot of the Eiffel Tower? The other big one, Bateaux Mouches, docks almost directly across on the other side.
Whether you choose their 1-hour sightseeing cruise up and down the Seine, or indulge in their 4-course dinner cruise with live music, you'll have an unforgettable experience - plus the convenience of departing and returning so close to your hotel.
Also, the hop-on, hop-off Batobus (my favorite way to spend a day on the Seine while exploring the neighborhoods along its route) has a stop next to the Bateaux Parisiens dock.
3. You Can Explore (& Enjoy a Few Meals or Glasses of Wine) along the Rue Cler Street Market
Rue Cler, one of the best pedestrian-only market streets in Paris, is where locals shop for tasty gariguette strawberries, crisp radishes, and other harbingers of spring.
Since many of Gros Caillou's hotels are in this area, you can take daily strolls past the cheese shops, bakeries, rotisserie chicken place, specialty chocolate and macaron sellers, and mouth-watering delis.
The inviting outdoor café terraces give you the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and crossaint, a meal, or a glass of wine - although you'll also find numerous appealing cafes and bistros throughout Gros Caillou, including along nearby Rue Saint-Dominique.
This is a neighborhood where you can eat and drink very well without flattening your wallet (although you should avoid the obviously touristy places very close to the Eiffel Tower).
Where to Stay in Gros Caillou for Your Spring Visit to Paris
The Gros Caillou neighborhood between the Eiffel Tower and Invalides is home to many small boutique hotels, including some with wonderful Eiffel Tower views.
As a bonus, you'll find more moderately-priced hotels here compared with other nearby neighborhoods such as Saint-Germain, the Latin Quarter, and across the river, the 8th arrondissement.
Here's a small sample for all budgets:
- Hotel La Comtesse - All 40 guest rooms in this 4-star hotel feature direct or side views of the Eiffel Tower; for a special treat, book a room with a balcony
- Hotel du Cadran - 4-star hotel with 53 guestrooms just off of Rue Cler and about a 7-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower; rooms are small but nicely furnished with contemporary decor
- Cler Hotel - This 3-star hotel overlooks the Rue Cler market street and is a favorite of Rick Steves (and a lot of other people) due to its winning combination of comfort and affordability
- Grand Hotel Levesque - Another 3-star hotel on Rue Cler, with Eiffel Tower views from several top floor guestrooms
- Hotel Eiffel Turenne - 3-star value hotel close to Rue Cler with air conditioning, a small elevator, and 34 attractive rooms; a couple have views of the top of the Eiffel Tower
- Le Narcisse Blanc - This highly-rated 5-star hotel and spa features 37 elegant guestrooms, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, health club with gym, and superb service
- Hotel Amelie - This charming 2-star hotel located on a quiet lane features 16 small guestrooms and very affordable rates. No elevator or air conditioning, but since hot weather doesn't usually hit Paris until June, you should be fine with no a/c
Find more 7th arrondissement hotels & apartments
3. Best Places to Stay in Paris's 1st Arrondissement in the Spring
Staying in Paris's 1st Arrondissement during during the spring gives you easy access to two magnificent gardens where France's Royalty once strolled: Tuileries Garden and Palais Royal Garden.
Le premier, as the 1st District is sometimes called, occupies a prime central location on the Right Bank next to the Seine River, plus half of Île de la Cité, the small Seine River island that's home to Notre Dame Cathedral and other Medieval masterpieces, and is packed with wonderful hotels.
However, our recommendations focus on areas closest to these two gardens simply because being able to walk to them in 5 minutes or less is one of the top pleasures of visiting Paris in the spring.
This neighborhood is also close to top cultural attractions, numerous shopping opportunities including a couple of historical covered passages, and more outdoor cafes than you'd have time to visit even if you stay for a year.
Find out more top attractions in each of Paris's 20 arrondissements
Why You'll Enjoy Staying near the Royal Gardens
With the arrival of warm weather, masses of blooms fill Jardin du Palais Royal and Jardin des Tuileries, the two spectacular gardens near the Louvre Museum, once a royal palace.
In both gardens, you'll find something in bloom almost year-round, with the earliest cherry blossoms appearing in both parks in February, quickly followed by magnolias from late February in Palais Royal Garden through (most years) late March.
Tuileries Garden boasts an especially large number of cherry trees, including a number of old late-blooming Kwanzans with branches so heavy from flowers that boards prop them up to prevent breakage.
After daffodils, tulips, and other spring bulbs put on an early-spring show, late-spring flowers such as foxgloves and roses take over.
By May, roses make spectacular displays in both gardens, with the first flush of blooms lasting through June.
In Palais Royal Garden, which is enclosed on all sides by arcaded 17th century buildings and seems to stay a few degrees warmer than the rest of Paris, the roses continue to bloom almost non-stop through December.
Top Cultural Indoor Attractions
Stay in Paris's 1st arrondissement in winter for easy access to the giant Tuileries Garden Christmas Market and the magical Hotel de Ville Christmas Market, top cultural attractions such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, Monet's giant Water Lilies in the Orangerie Museum, contemporary art in the Pinault Collection, and spectacular stained glass from the Middle Ages at Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité.
Where to Shop in the 1st Arrondissement
If you want to do holiday shopping or hit the January sales, you'll also be close to superb stores and boutiques throughout the 1st district. Here are top retail destinations:
- Place Vendôme - Paris's largest concentration of high-end jewelers such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Boucheron around the square and along Rue de la Paix
- Rue Saint-Honoré - Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, Saint Laurent, and numerous other designer boutiques and showrooms
- Rue de l'Opéra and nearby side streets - Fashion and home decor, fancy chocolate shops
- Place des Victoires and surrounding streets - Numerous upscale stores and boutiques
- Historical covered galleries and arcades - Galerie Véro Dodat, Galerie Vivienne, and the Palais Royal Garden Arcades, with exclusive boutiques and unique treasures
- Dehillerin (18 Rue Coquillière) - Favorite emporium for knifes, copper pots, madeleine molds, and everything else you might want in your kitchen
- Carrousel du Louvre (next the the Louvre at 99 Rue de Rivoli) - Small underground shopping mall with boutiques for French brands such as Fragonard, Maje, L'Occitane, Caudalie, and Pylones
- La Samaritaine - Paris's newest luxury department store
Perfect Spots for Winter Walks in Paris 1
- Tuileries Garden - Go to the Christmas Market in December; in January and February, admire the many statues
- Palais Royal Garden - A hidden treasure; admire the rows of stately (bare) trees, and the Burren "columns" in the adjacent courtyard
- Right Bank of the Seine River - Check out the bouquinistes (book sellers) as you stroll along the river banks
Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Paris 1
- Hotel Mansart - Located at the corner of Place Vendôme/Rue de la Paix, and close to Palais Garnier, Place de la Madeleine, and even Galleries Lafayette
- Hotel Royal Saint Honoré Paris Louvre - Excellent location on Rue Saint-Honoré near Place Vendôme and Tuileries Garden; also close to the Louvre and Palais Royal Garden
- Hotel Regina Louvre - Classic 5-star hotel close to the Louvre, Palais Royal Garden, Rue Saint Honoré; book a guestroom overlooking Tuileries Garden
- Hotel du Louvre (Hyatt) - Steps from the Louvre, Rue Saint-Honoré, and Palais Royal Garden
- Hotel Molière - Close to Palais Royal Garden, the Louvre, Palais Garnier Opera House in the 9th, Rue Saint-Honoré, and Asian bistros along Rue Sainte-Anne
- My Maison in Paris - Aparthotel offering studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom serviced apartments close to Pinault Collection, Dehillerin, and the Louvre
Find more hotels in Paris's 1st arrondissement
Find more to see & do in Paris's 1st arrondissement
Parc Monceau: Where to Stay in the Spring
Along with the Marais neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the favorite of many English-speaking visitors Paris visitors.
Perhaps more than any other spot in the city, its mix of 17th - 19th century architecture, cute boutiques, pedestrian-only streets, and cozy bistros look like the romantic and charming Paris you've seen in movies and paintings.
Officially, the Saint-Germain neighborhood includes less than half of the 6th arrondissement. But for practical purposes, many visitors see it as covering the entire 6th, (plus a chunk of the 5th), we're going to do the same in this article.
Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Orsay Museum, home to Paris's most famous collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, ranks as by far the biggest cultural attraction in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area - even though it's actually in the 7th arrondissement.
Other top neighborhood gems are three magnificent churches, all perfect for exploring on winter days: Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Église Saint-Sulpice, and Église Saint Severin. (French language tip: église = church.)
Where to Shop in Saint Germain
All kinds of stores pack Saint-Germain's narrow streets.
Look for antique dealers, home decor stores, and art galleries between the Seine River and Rue de l'Université.
To see the latest, greatest, and most beautiful furniture, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen designs, walk the length of Boulevard Saint-Germain. Of course you'll also see plenty of other stores as well as some famous cafes and bistros (Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp, all favorite hang-outs of early 20th century writers and artists such as Hemingway, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Picasso, just to name a few).
Other main shopping (and dining) streets are Rue du Bac, Rue Jacob, Rue de Rennes, Rue Saint-Sulpice, Rue de Buci, and Rue de Seine, although turn down almost any other street and you're almost sure to discover more fashion boutiques.
Since we've expanded Saint-Germain's boundaries for this article, now is the time to mention that the Left Bank's famous Bon Marché luxury department store (24 Rue de Sevres) is also nearby.
Perfect Spot for Winter Walks in Saint Germain
- Luxembourg Garden - One of Paris's largest city parks - spectacular year-round.
Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Saint Germain
- Hotel Montalembert - Posh 5-star hotel with contemporary decor and 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites
- Hotel Madison - Lovely 4-star boutique hotel in a conveniently central location across from Saint Germain des Prés church
- Hotel Bel Ami - 5-star boutique hotel with gorgeous decor, a spa and fitness center, and an onsite café; views of Église Saint Germain des Prés from some guest rooms
- Relais Christine - 5-star luxury boutique hotel featuring French country decor, a spa, and a private garden
- Hotel de Buci - Charming 24-room boutique hotel on the Rue Buci market street features furnishings with a romantic très-Parisian vibe
- Hotel Artus - Located on the lively Rue de Buci market street, this 4-star hotel features 25 guestrooms and two suites, art-inspired mid-century modern decor, and bright cheery colors
- "The Swan & Phoenix" - Vintage charm mixes with modern comfort in this Saint-Germain 2-bedroom apartment with state-of-the-art kitchen
- Hotel de Seine - Popular 3-star boutique hotel in an excellent location near the Seine River
Find more Saint-Germain hotels & apartments
Find hotels & apartments in the nearby 7th arrondissement
Luxembourg Garden in the Spring: Where to Stay
Along with the Marais neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the favorite of many English-speaking visitors Paris visitors.
Perhaps more than any other spot in the city, its mix of 17th - 19th century architecture, cute boutiques, pedestrian-only streets, and cozy bistros look like the romantic and charming Paris you've seen in movies and paintings.
Officially, the Saint-Germain neighborhood includes less than half of the 6th arrondissement. But for practical purposes, many visitors see it as covering the entire 6th, (plus a chunk of the 5th), we're going to do the same in this article.
Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Orsay Museum, home to Paris's most famous collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, ranks as by far the biggest cultural attraction in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area - even though it's actually in the 7th arrondissement.
Other top neighborhood gems are three magnificent churches, all perfect for exploring on winter days: Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Église Saint-Sulpice, and Église Saint Severin. (French language tip: église = church.)
Where to Shop in Saint Germain
All kinds of stores pack Saint-Germain's narrow streets.
Look for antique dealers, home decor stores, and art galleries between the Seine River and Rue de l'Université.
To see the latest, greatest, and most beautiful furniture, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen designs, walk the length of Boulevard Saint-Germain. Of course you'll also see plenty of other stores as well as some famous cafes and bistros (Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp, all favorite hang-outs of early 20th century writers and artists such as Hemingway, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Picasso, just to name a few).
Other main shopping (and dining) streets are Rue du Bac, Rue Jacob, Rue de Rennes, Rue Saint-Sulpice, Rue de Buci, and Rue de Seine, although turn down almost any other street and you're almost sure to discover more fashion boutiques.
Since we've expanded Saint-Germain's boundaries for this article, now is the time to mention that the Left Bank's famous Bon Marché luxury department store (24 Rue de Sevres) is also nearby.
Perfect Spot for Winter Walks in Saint Germain
- Luxembourg Garden - One of Paris's largest city parks - spectacular year-round.
Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Saint Germain
- Hotel Montalembert - Posh 5-star hotel with contemporary decor and 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites
- Hotel Madison - Lovely 4-star boutique hotel in a conveniently central location across from Saint Germain des Prés church
- Hotel Bel Ami - 5-star boutique hotel with gorgeous decor, a spa and fitness center, and an onsite café; views of Église Saint Germain des Prés from some guest rooms
- Relais Christine - 5-star luxury boutique hotel featuring French country decor, a spa, and a private garden
- Hotel de Buci - Charming 24-room boutique hotel on the Rue Buci market street features furnishings with a romantic très-Parisian vibe
- Hotel Artus - Located on the lively Rue de Buci market street, this 4-star hotel features 25 guestrooms and two suites, art-inspired mid-century modern decor, and bright cheery colors
- "The Swan & Phoenix" - Vintage charm mixes with modern comfort in this Saint-Germain 2-bedroom apartment with state-of-the-art kitchen
- Hotel de Seine - Popular 3-star boutique hotel in an excellent location near the Seine River
Find more Saint-Germain hotels & apartments
Find hotels & apartments in the nearby 7th arrondissement
Where to Stay in Montmartre in the Spring
Located in Paris's 18th district, Montmartre attracts visitors who love its village-like ambiance, narrow winding lanes, many appealing cafes and bistros, and small museums. It's also the scene of sizzling nightlife, especially along Boulevard de Clichy where famous cabaret Moulin Rouge and concert hall La Cigale are located.
Montmartre is also a favorite of budget-conscious travelers, and savings get even better during winter months.
Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in Montmartre
Moulin Rouge is, by far, Montmartre's most famous cultural attraction, although the gleaming white Sacre Coeur Basilica on top of a hill runs a close second.
For many Paris visitors, a Moulin Rouge show with Champagne and perhaps dinner rank near the top of their bucket lists. Getting tickets and reservations during summer months can be a challenge, so if you're visiting during the winter, you should have a much easier time.
Winter is also an ideal time to visit one or more of these small museums tucked away in the hilly Montmartre neighborhood:
- Dalí Paris (11 Rue Poulbot, 75018), where you can view around 300 paintings, furniture, and other works by surrealist artist Salvidore Dalí
- Halle Saint Pierre (2 Rue Ronsard) - Light-filled exhibition space/cafe where you can see contemporary, "outsider," and pop art, and relax over a cappuccino and fresh-baked pastry
- Musée de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot), where you can see works by artists such as Modigliani and Utrillo who gathered in the back garden
Where to Shop in Montmartre
Small boutiques and numerous produce, cheese, meat, and other markets along Rue des Abbesses make this one of the neighborhood's most appealing shopping areas.
If you like to sew, you won't want to miss several blocks lined with fabric and trim shops. Start at the biggest and the best, Marché Saint-Pierre (2 Rue Charles Nodier) where you can explore five floors of fabulous fabrics. Then walk down Rue Livingston, where you'll more fabric stores, for one short block and turn right onto Rue d'Orsel, where you'll find even more.
Perfect Spot for Winter Walks in Montmartre
Stroll around Montmartre Cemetery, which you'll find picturesque monuments and graves of French writers, musicians, entertainers, and movie directors.
Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Montmartre
- Hotel Particulier Montmartre - One of Paris's smallest boutique hotels, with only 5 large-to-huge luxury suites,a renowned onsite restaurant, and a gorgeous private garden
- Terrass Hotel - Enjoy spectacular views of the city from the rooftop terrace bar
- Montmartre Residence - Enjoy your own well-equipped apartment in the lovely Abbesses area of Montmartre
- Hotel des Arts Montmartre - This highly-rated 4-star hotel features a wonderful location and vibrant yet soothing decor in its 50 guest rooms
Gare de Lyon for Budget-Friendly Spring Visits
Along with the Marais neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the favorite of many English-speaking visitors Paris visitors.
Perhaps more than any other spot in the city, its mix of 17th - 19th century architecture, cute boutiques, pedestrian-only streets, and cozy bistros look like the romantic and charming Paris you've seen in movies and paintings.
Officially, the Saint-Germain neighborhood includes less than half of the 6th arrondissement. But for practical purposes, many visitors see it as covering the entire 6th, (plus a chunk of the 5th), we're going to do the same in this article.
Top Indoor Cultural Attractions in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Orsay Museum, home to Paris's most famous collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, ranks as by far the biggest cultural attraction in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area - even though it's actually in the 7th arrondissement.
Other top neighborhood gems are three magnificent churches, all perfect for exploring on winter days: Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Église Saint-Sulpice, and Église Saint Severin. (French language tip: église = church.)
Where to Shop in Saint Germain
All kinds of stores pack Saint-Germain's narrow streets.
Look for antique dealers, home decor stores, and art galleries between the Seine River and Rue de l'Université.
To see the latest, greatest, and most beautiful furniture, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen designs, walk the length of Boulevard Saint-Germain. Of course you'll also see plenty of other stores as well as some famous cafes and bistros (Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp, all favorite hang-outs of early 20th century writers and artists such as Hemingway, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Picasso, just to name a few).
Other main shopping (and dining) streets are Rue du Bac, Rue Jacob, Rue de Rennes, Rue Saint-Sulpice, Rue de Buci, and Rue de Seine, although turn down almost any other street and you're almost sure to discover more fashion boutiques.
Since we've expanded Saint-Germain's boundaries for this article, now is the time to mention that the Left Bank's famous Bon Marché luxury department store (24 Rue de Sevres) is also nearby.
Perfect Spot for Winter Walks in Saint Germain
- Luxembourg Garden - One of Paris's largest city parks - spectacular year-round.
Where to Stay in Paris in Winter in Saint Germain
- Hotel Montalembert - Posh 5-star hotel with contemporary decor and 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites
- Hotel Madison - Lovely 4-star boutique hotel in a conveniently central location across from Saint Germain des Prés church
- Hotel Bel Ami - 5-star boutique hotel with gorgeous decor, a spa and fitness center, and an onsite café; views of Église Saint Germain des Prés from some guest rooms
- Relais Christine - 5-star luxury boutique hotel featuring French country decor, a spa, and a private garden
- Hotel de Buci - Charming 24-room boutique hotel on the Rue Buci market street features furnishings with a romantic très-Parisian vibe
- Hotel Artus - Located on the lively Rue de Buci market street, this 4-star hotel features 25 guestrooms and two suites, art-inspired mid-century modern decor, and bright cheery colors
- "The Swan & Phoenix" - Vintage charm mixes with modern comfort in this Saint-Germain 2-bedroom apartment with state-of-the-art kitchen
- Hotel de Seine - Popular 3-star boutique hotel in an excellent location near the Seine River
Find more Saint-Germain hotels & apartments
Find hotels & apartments in the nearby 7th arrondissement
More Articles about Where to Stay in Paris
- Where to Stay on Your First Trip to Paris: Best Neighborhoods
- New Hotels in Paris - Discover the latest and greatest, & reserve your guest room
- Paris Hotel Guide - Find top places to stay in Paris organized by attractions, neighborhoods, amenities, and cost categories
- French Star System Explained - Find out how hotels stars translated into amenities and quality
- What to Expect in Paris Hotels - Our 16 best tips
