~A day in the Sixth~

We cross the Seine via the oldest bridge,Pont Neuf , and make our way to the sixth arrondissement usually referred to as the St. Germain des Pres district.  It includes the  Eglise St. Germain-des-Pres and St. Sulpice (mentioned in the DaVinci Code), wonderful shopping (especially shoes), educational institutions such as the Ecole des Beaux Arts, many famous cafes and the Jardin de Luxembourg.

The Eglise St. Germain des Pres is actually the abbey church of the Abbey of St. Germain des Pres.  The abbey was built in the 6th century and at the time it was outside of medieval Paris.  It has been frequently plundered and burned and rebuilt. The porch tower of Saint-Germain-des-Prés (built 990-1014) sturdily 
buttressed to support the weight of its massive bells, is one of the oldest bell towers still standing in France.


Across the Place St. Germain opposite the church is the famous Cafe Les Deux Magots.

It once had a reputation as the rendezvous spot of the literary and intellectual élite of the city. Its historical reputation is derived from the patronage of Surrealist artists, intellectuals such as Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, and young writers, such as Ernest Hemingway. Other patrons included Albert Camus and Pablo Picasso. It is now a favorite tourist destination.


Making our way towards Jardin du Luxembourg, we will walk/ browse many of the shops of St. Germain.  It is especially renowned for Pierre Herme Chocolates and Macarons, the stationery/card shops and shoes!

The Jardin du Luxembourg, to me, is the most beautiful park in Paris.

The lovely open space near the Palais is used for a respite from work by Parisians, who come to catch some sun or eat their lunch.  On the weekend, kids can rent sailboats and sail them in the pool.  The Medici fountain above is beautiful~in this photo, the nose was part of an 'art exhibit' in the park.  The paths through park are lined with Chestnut trees.  In the open spaces you will see many different activities from Tai Chi classes to practising gymnasts.  There are pony rides for the kids too.


This will be a full day.  On the way back to the apartment we will pass through 5th arr. to see St .Etienne du Mont, the site of the 'midnight scene' from the Woody Allen movie, "Midnight in Paris".

It's less than 3 weeks until we leave...I'm getting excited, though I'm not looking forward to packing 2 bags with a month's worth of clothes.