In the collective imagination, Paris’s Left Bank is seen as the epicenter of intellectual life, knowledge, and the Parisian artistic avant-garde. And in France, ideas, art, and literature are never discussed better than over a drink and a good meal: in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it is in the literary cafés, restaurants, and brasseries that the French spirit lives on…We invite you on a stroll through an exceptional heritage where monuments and iconic sites bear witness to a glorious past: at a few must-visit spots, immerse yourself in the history of Saint-Germain-des-Prés during your stay in Paris at the Hôtel Le Littré.The Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest in ParisFounded in the 6th century, the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the former burial ground of the Merovingian kings, is also the oldest church in the capital. Destroyed and then rebuilt in the 10th century, its architecture bears witness to this history: its nave, painted a deep starry blue, is one of the last vestiges of Romanesque art in Paris, while the 12th-century choir is in the early Gothic style. The church is a gem with its brightly colored painted decorations.Note: Guided tours are available on the first Saturday and third Sunday of the month (except in July and August). Located at 3, Place de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it is just a few minutes from the Hôtel Le Littré via Metro Line 4.Saint-Sulpice Church: A Majestic Architectural TreasureSaint-Sulpice Church is the most significant religious building in Paris after Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its eclectic architecture reflects the many alterations made throughout its construction: while the façade is characterized by the 17th-century Jesuit style, the Neo-Renaissance fountain in the forecourt dates from the 19th century.You will be impressed by its high vaulted ceiling, whose simplicity contrasts with the richness of the paintings and works of art in the chapels. The beautiful pulpit and the imposing grand organ are particularly noteworthy.Another detail catches the eye: the gnomon. Composed of a small window in a stained-glass panel and a brass band marking the meridian embedded in the floor and on the obelisk, this astronomical instrument measures the sun’s movement: four markings indicate the equinoxes and solstices throughout the year, allowing for the precise determination of the date of Easter in the spring.The Institut de France: A Temple of KnowledgeLocated on Quai Conti, the Institut de France is home to the five academies dedicated to advancing the arts, sciences, and humanities, including the Académie Française, founded by Richelieu in 1635. Beneath the iconic dome on the Left Bank, the Institute, operating with complete independence, upholds excellence, supports creativity and innovation, while informing the decisions of those in power.Inspired by Italian Baroque, the building’s quarter-circle wings—designed at Mazarin’s request—frame the chapel, which is crowned by a majestic oval dome. Behind the facades of this temple of knowledge lies the Mazarine Library, France’s oldest public library. The dome and main courtyard are open to visitors on Saturdays.The Seine for Romantics : The Pont des ArtsAlthough it’s no longer possible to attach a padlock to Paris’s most romantic pedestrian bridge, the Pont des Arts remains a favorite spot for lovers visiting Paris and amateur photographers alike.Suspended between the Left Bank and the Right Bank, take the time to admire the panoramic view of the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, the Institut de France, and the Pont Neuf. At sunset, the Seine and the Louvre offer a dazzling spectacle.The Monnaie de Paris, an art and industrial workshop in ParisFounded in the 9th century and established in the 18th century on the site of the former Conti Palace, the Monnaie de Paris is tasked with producing the national currency, official decorations and medals, as well as iconic works of art. It was here that the medals for the first modern Olympic Games were created, followed by those for the 1924 Paris Games and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.At the Hôtel de la Monnaie, the ancestral know-how of metalworking—elevated to the status of artistic craftsmanship—lives on. Take the time to admire the impeccable symmetry of the main courtyard. After a tour of the museum, which offers a glimpse into the workshops of Paris’s last active factory, you’ll have the opportunity to treat yourself to a unique souvenir at the gift shop.The Eugène Delacroix National Museum: A Gem in the Heart of ParisAt 6 Rue Fürstenberg, you enter Eugène Delacroix’s apartment-museum. This apartment, located near the Church of Saint-Sulpice—where the master worked (in the Chapel of the Holy Angels)—also served as his studio. Today, the museum welcomes visitors to explore the romantic painter’s works, writings, and everyday objects. The Delacroix Museum is open every day except Tuesday. You’ll discover a charming garden there—a rare find in Paris.The Odéon – Théâtre de l’Europe: A Hub of the Avant-GardeSince 1782, the imposing columned façade of the Odéon – Théâtre de l’Europe has stood as a bold example of Neoclassicism on Place de l’Odéon. Inaugurated by Marie Antoinette, the semicircular auditorium—a perfect example of an Italian-style theater—was long the home of the Comédie-Française.It was the setting for the premiere of The Marriage of Figaro (1784) and Sarah Bernhardt’s debut (1869). Having survived two fires (1799 and 1918), it became, in 1971, one of France’s six national theaters—an iconic venue for the performing arts with a rich and eclectic program.Nature and the Renaissance: The Luxembourg Garden and PalaceBuilt for Marie de’ Medici, Queen of France and Navarre, widow of Henry IV and mother of Louis XIII, the Luxembourg Palace is now the seat of the Senate.Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, the Luxembourg Palace opens its windows onto the Luxembourg Garden, a wonderful oasis of nature.From the beautiful French-style perspective around the large pond to the winding, tree-lined paths of an English garden, take a stroll to discover the garden’s hidden treasures: sculptures and statues, the monumental Medici Fountain, as well as the apiaries and orchards that bring biodiversity to life in the heart of Paris.Take the time to visit an exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg. Two annual exhibitions are typically held there, focusing on themes such as 20th-century modernity, women artists, and photography. Discover the exhibition Soulages: Another Light (September 2025 to January 2026).The École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA): the school for artistsLocated on Rue Bonaparte, the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts is dedicated to the study of the arts (painting, sculpture, printmaking) and remains a training ground for future artists. Located between the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, the school’s extensive complex of buildings and courtyards spans nearly two hectares, centered around the Palais des Études, recognizable by its majestic metal glass roof. Take advantage of exhibitions, lectures, or Heritage Days in September to explore this unique venue.A recommended itinerary starting from the Hôtel Le LittréAfter a hearty breakfast at the Hôtel Le Littré, take Line 4 to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. After visiting the Church of Saint-Germain, continue on to Saint-Sulpice. Your steps will naturally lead you to the Eugène Delacroix Museum. Back on Boulevard Saint-Germain, take a break at one of the famous literary cafés (Brasserie Lipp, Café de Flore, or Les Deux Magots).Head to the Institut de France via Rue de Seine. Quai Conti, the Hôtel de la Monnaie, and the Pont des Arts offer sweeping views of the river and Parisian landmarks! On Rue Bonaparte, walk past the ENSBA before heading back toward the Odéon district. You’ll then enjoy the tranquility of the Luxembourg Gardens.Create your own custom itinerary: the proximity of points of interest and various metro lines (lines 4, 6, 12, and 13) allows you to enjoy all of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in a single day without having to rush. For example, you can spend your morning visiting churches and museums, then take the afternoon to stroll between the Luxembourg Gardens and the Pont des Arts and enjoy the beauty of a sunset over the Seine.The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood immerses you in a unique cultural and architectural heritage. Here, you’ll experience the laid-back lifestyle of the Left Bank, with its charming boutiques and iconic bookstores, and immerse yourself in the French culture and spirit celebrated by literary restaurants and cafés, before returning to the comfort and tranquility of your room at the Le Littré hotel. Book your room with a view of the Eiffel Tower for an exceptional stay!

Montparnasse is not limited to the famous Tour Montparnasse towering over Paris or to its vast railway station, Gare Montparnasse, where trains from western France converge. The Montparnasse district conceals secret corners and unexpected passageways where the echo of a sometimes-forgotten Paris still lingers. The former “Mont Parnasse,” as it was nicknamed by students of the Latin Quarter, was once the heart of Parisian artistic and intellectual life — a vibrant hub of nightlife and celebration centered around iconic bars and restaurants, cinema, theatre, artistic creation, and painting. This dynamic and modern neighborhood has preserved the memory of that rich past. Setting out to discover the unusual places of Montparnasse is like strolling through a small chapter of French history.A Few Unusual and Must-See Ideas in MontparnasseTo venture off the beaten track, we have selected a few ideas for outings and walks for a discovery weekend around the Hôtel Le Littré.The Montparnasse Cemetery: A Haven of Peace for Parisian CelebritiesA place of rest and tranquility, the Cimetière du Montparnasse is one of the largest green spaces in the capital. Created in 1824, this peaceful haven has become a site of remembrance that houses the final resting places of numerous French personalities from the worlds of art, cinema, and politics.Writers, poets, musicians, and intellectuals are buried here — including Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, Juliette Gréco, Guy de Maupassant, Charles Baudelaire, and Georges Wolinski. Some graves are true works of art, while others, more discreet, bear touching tributes: pens left for Marguerite Duras or metro tickets placed on the grave of Serge Gainsbourg. The cemetery is open to visitors until 5:30 p.m.The Catacombs: An Unusual Underground StrollThe Catacombes de Paris offer a descent into underground Paris. Less than a ten-minute walk from Hôtel Le Littré, one of the most unusual sites in Paris awaits you.Following the closure of Paris cemeteries in 1786, these former quarries officially became the Municipal Ossuary of Paris. Quickly renamed by Parisians as “the Catacombs,” they now offer a 1.5-kilometer underground visit that feels both strange and melancholic. Remember to bring a jacket — the temperature underground is cool. After a period of closure for modernization, they will reopen in spring 2026.The Zadkine Museum-Workshop: Montparnasse of the Avant-GardeTake time for an exhibition at the Musée Zadkine and discover the artistic and intellectual Montparnasse of the early 20th century. In this artist’s studio, filled with large luminous glass windows, lingers the echo of those who revolutionized art: Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Antoine Bourdelle.An avant-garde spirit prevailed here, and artistic discussions often ended in nearby bars and restaurants whose names are now prestigious — witnesses to the roaring years of Montparnasse.A Surprise at the Luxembourg GardensThe Fontaine Médicis in the Jardin du Luxembourg is a delightful surprise, with its large reflecting pool and majestic tree-lined fountain. You may even encounter one of the five Statues of Liberty created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.Hidden and Lesser-Known Corners of MontparnasseThroughout your weekend wanderings in Paris — beyond the famous museums, major exhibitions, and fashionable cocktails in the renowned bars of Saint-Germain-des-Prés — you will discover charming and unexpected places.Villa Marie Vassilieff and the Passage des DamesIn this discreet haven, Marie Vassilieff founded a new academy around her studio, bringing together the female avant-garde. It later became a solidarity canteen — an accessible restaurant for artists facing hardship — turning this small impasse into a true center of life and culture. Today it houses AWARE (Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions). Villa Vassilieff is open to the public (free visits by appointment).Jardin Atlantique: A Natural Rooftop Above the StationAn authentic suspended garden awaits you above Gare Montparnasse, like an island floating overhead. This beautiful green space surprises both walkers and travelers waiting for their trains. A large central lawn surrounds a fountain, set within vegetation inspired by Atlantic coastal landscapes. A playground, ping-pong table, and fitness area complete the facilities of this unusual place — hidden, yet visible to all.The Village Spirit: Rue des Thermopyles and Cité Anne-Marie BauerThe 14th arrondissement hides a peaceful haven just minutes from the hotel: Rue des Thermopyles. With its cobblestones, flower pots, and blooming arches, this street of colorful doors and shutters transports you to a timeless village atmosphere. Around Square Giacometti, Rue des Thermopyles and Cité Anne-Marie Bauer form an unusual and authentic enclave. Undoubtedly, the prettiest gate in Paris is hidden here — will you find it?The Ideal Starting Point to Explore MontparnasseHôtel Le Littré is the perfect base camp for exploring historic and off-the-beaten-path Montparnasse. Located on the quiet Rue Littré, this family-run four-star hotel offers a comfortable and elegant pied-à-terre for lovers of Paris’s Left Bank. Attentive service, a cozy atmosphere, and refined comfort in its rooms and suites make it an ideal refuge after a day of exploration.To unwind between outings, enjoy a sauna session or relax in the winter garden — unless you prefer a cocktail at the hotel bar. The establishment offers a wide range of rooms and suites: classic or superior rooms, family rooms, or romantic suites — each thoughtfully decorated and fully equipped to provide the stay of your dreams.Rooms and suites with terraces overlooking the Tour Eiffel add a magical touch to your stay. Take time to savor an extraordinary breakfast while admiring the Iron Lady, emblem of France, in the charm of a Parisian morning.A Perfect Walk for Lovers of Unusual PlacesTo discover the 14th arrondissement from an original perspective, here is an ideal walking itinerary starting from the hotel.Begin your morning with a gourmet breakfast, then head toward the Catacombs of Paris. Follow Boulevard du Montparnasse and Boulevard Raspail; in about thirty minutes you will reach Place Denfert-Rochereau and its iconic Lion de Belfort, sculpted by Bartholdi.After your underground exploration, return to the surface via Rue René-Coty and continue toward Rue Daguerre. This lively pedestrian and shopping street perfectly illustrates the convivial spirit of the Parisian neighborhood. Agnès Varda made it one of her favorite settings; she now rests with Jacques Demy at Montparnasse Cemetery.Continue on to Rue des Thermopyles, one of the most picturesque passages in the 14th arrondissement. This true hidden village charms visitors with its calm atmosphere, plant-covered façades, and timeless feel. Take the opportunity to pause in a crêperie or small neighborhood restaurant.Finally, reach Jardin Atlantique, set above the railway tracks of Gare Montparnasse. From there, make your way to the tranquility of Montparnasse Cemetery, where artists and figures of French culture rest beneath the trees.Montparnasse, a Neighborhood of SurprisesAt the crossroads of culture, urban nature, and heritage, Montparnasse has never ceased to surprise. The district still bears the traces of the Roaring Twenties, when artists, writers, and filmmakers shaped a new avant-garde. This legacy lives on today in its many cinemas, museums, theaters, and in the Montparnasse Creation Market, a lively venue dedicated to contemporary artists.Here, every street reveals an unexpected detail, a façade rich in history, or a discreet passage telling another side of Paris.In Montparnasse, the unusual is everywhere — for those who know how to look. Enjoy discovering this surprising side of Paris!