Saint-Germain & the Latin Quarter: The Left Bank

Two of the oldest quarters of Paris, side by side, and two very different sides of the same city.

Quick Overview

• Your group only (up to 8 people)
• Duration: About 2.5 hours
• What we see: The oldest bell tower in Paris, the literary cafés, place de Furstenberg, the Sorbonne, the Panthéon
• What's special: The Left Bank of Sartre, Delacroix and the Revolution, on the prettiest streets of Paris
• Days: Every day
• Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
• Languages: English; ask if you need another language
• Best for: First-time visitors, lovers of books, cafés and galleries
• Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history

The Experience

Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter sit side by side, but they feel like two cities. One grew around a royal abbey and became the Paris of cafés, publishers and galleries. The other grew around the university, and has been full of students and rebels for eight hundred years.

We start at the oldest bell tower in Paris, pass the Flore and the Deux Magots, and find Delacroix's studio on place de Furstenberg, perhaps the prettiest square in the city. Then the galleries of rue de Seine, Le Procope and the passage where revolutionaries printed their pamphlets.

Across into the Latin Quarter, we finish at the Sorbonne, the Panthéon and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, whose steps you may recognise from Midnight in Paris.

Route & Walking Info

• Distance: About 3 km
• Terrain: Mostly flat, cobblestones, one gentle hill up to the Panthéon
• Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
• Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.

Good to Know

• Meeting Point: In front of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, place Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
• Timing: Try to be there 10 minutes early so we can start smoothly.
• Rain: We can shelter in the churches along the way.
• Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (line 4) to start, Cardinal Lemoine or Place Monge at the end.
• Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
• Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
• Late Arrivals: If you're late, it cuts into our time, but I'll make sure you still see the essentials.

Optional Add-Ons

• Delacroix museum (tickets extra)
• Panthéon visit (tickets extra)
• Café stop at one of the literary cafés
• Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
• Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)

After You Book

• A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
• My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
• I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
• Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
• Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.

FAQ

Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.

Do we go inside the Panthéon? This walk stays outside. If you want to go in, I run a separate Panthéon tour, or we can add it with tickets.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. It's an easy walk with lots of stops.

Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.