Welcome to Saint-Germain: Art, History and Life in the Left Bank
Join Madame Tartempion in the heart of St. Germain des Prés, where philosophy, politics, and art once collided in café debates and revolutionary gatherings. This tour invites curious travelers, literature lovers, food enthusiasts, and flâneurs alike to explore winding passages, historic churches, and the cafés that inspired Sartre, Beauvoir, and Hemingway. Along the way, discover decadent pastries, hidden courtyards, and the oldest bell tower in Paris. You’ll encounter stories of revolutions, masterpieces, and everyday Parisians, all woven into the neighborhood’s fabric. Walk away with a deeper sense of Paris’s living culture and your own connection to its creative spirit.
Created by Madame Tartempion
An American in Paris, 10 years and counting. If you're looking for an expert on food, boutiques, hotspots, or just how to make the most of the Eternal City, Tessa, or "Madame Tartempion", is your go-to.
"A great overview of the neighbourhood. Take note of the places to revisit and the many cultural icons to immerse yourself in if you have the time. " - Amanda A.
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What you'll walk and learn about
Georges Danton Statue
Begin this tour at the Danton Statue
Maison Georges Larnicol
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this chocolate shop
Cour du Commerce
Visit a cobblestone alleyway from the 1700s
Old Printing Press
Publishing site of Jean-Paul Marat’s L’Ami du Peuple
8 Cour du Commerce St-André
Learn the history of what used to occupy this building
Café Le Procope
Historic cafe in the Latin Quarter
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Try a meringue treat from this historic shop
Taschen Bookstore
A Temple to Luxury Art Publishing
Maison Thevenin
Treat yourself to an award winning pastry
The Smiths Bakery
Grab a delicious French pastry from this bakery
Maison LeRoux
Satisfy that sweet tooth with famous salted butter caramel
La Dernière Goutte
Stop by this charming wine bar
Delacroix’s Workshop
See the building where the famous painter worked
Picasso Sculpture
Hear the story behind this sculpture
Abbey of Saint Germain
Paris’s oldest church still standing
Les Deux Magots
A popular café with a history of notable clients
Café de Flore
It’s popular. And it should be!
Les Deux Magots
End the tour at this legendary café
"A great overview of the neighbourhood. Take note of the places to revisit and the many cultural icons to immerse yourself in if you have the time. "
"This is such a beautiful and thoughtful tour. Thank you for creating it I enjoyed every bit of it ❤️"
"So interesting. Felt the presence of Voltaire, Sartre, Descartes and so much more history. Great talk, great walk. Thank You! "
"This tour was really enjoyable. I learned a lot about the Left Bank culture and history."