Boulevard Saint Germain: an Elegant Street on the Left Bank of Paris
Culture Travel may earn a commission through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Boulevard Saint-Germain is one of the most iconic streets in Paris, crossing the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements of the city. Its history is rich, reflecting the cultural, artistic, and intellectual movements that have flourished in the area over the centuries.
The street gets its name from the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, founded in the 6th century, which was one of the oldest churches in Paris. The area developed over the centuries as an important religious and cultural hub.
During the 17th century, Boulevard Saint-Germain began to take on its modern shape. As Paris expanded, the street became a fashionable locale, particularly for the aristocracy who were attracted to the elegance of the area. This period saw the construction of many grand hôtels particuliers (townhouses) along the boulevard.
The transformation of Boulevard Saint-Germain continued in the 19th century, with the rise of the literary and artistic movements. This era gave birth to the “Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood” as a center for intellectuals, writers, and philosophers.
Notable figures like Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Ernest Hemingway frequented the cafés along the boulevard, most famously Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, contributing to its reputation as the heart of the existentialist movement.
After World War II, Boulevard Saint-Germain remained a hub for arts and philosophy, with many artists and musicians congregating there. The street became synonymous with the bohemian lifestyle and the artistic avant-garde, as the area continued to attract a creative crowd.
Today, Boulevard Saint-Germain is a bustling thoroughfare that retains its historic charm. It boasts a mix of high-end boutiques, cafés, and cultural institutions. The street is also lined with art galleries and bookstores, reflecting its continued status as an intellectual and cultural hotspot. The annual Paris Jazz Festival and numerous literary events keep its rich legacy alive.
Boulevard Saint-Germain serves as a microcosm of Parisian life, embodying the city’s artistic spirit and historical depth.
