Boulevard Saint-Germain runs through the heart of the Left Bank in Paris. Whether you stay at a Kirker hotel in the area or visit for a day, it is well worth devoting a day to exploring Saint-Germain and I would recommend the following outline plan for for your day.
Spend the morning wandering through streets filled with independent boutique shops and cafés, and finish off with a seafood lunch at restaurant ‘La Mediterranee’ opposite the Opera House.
The area feels like a compact community by itself. After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the Boulevard Saint-Germain and up towards the Seine’s Left Bank (Rive Gauche) where you are greeted with the most classic Parisian view.
Cross the bridge towards the Louvre and wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens heading towards Place de la Concorde.
Crossing back over and you can visit the Musée D’Orsay for an early evening entrance.
It closes daily at 6pm, but stays open later on a Thursday evening, until 9.45pm. Kirker is looking forward to the upcoming John Singer Sargent exhibition here, ‘The Paris Years (1874-1884)’ which will bring together over 90 of the artist’s works, including the famous ‘Madame X’ painting housed in the Met in New York. It will run from September 23rd, 2025 to January 11th, 2026. Be sure to book a short break to Paris with us to enjoy the exhibition.
If you have a little time left in the early evening, a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens is a must whilst on the Left Bank. This splendidly curated park offers something for all – pristine lawns, toy boats on the Grand Bassin or simply enjoying the peace and quiet in a busy city in one of the many chairs dotted about.
To finish the day it is only right to have dinner in ‘Le Procope’ – a French dining institution. Established in 1685 it is renowned as Paris’ oldest café and restaurant and is located in the heart of the Saint Germain district. This is the perfect place to experience traditional French cuisine such as coq au vin in a unique and truly Parisien location.
