Saint-Germain des Prés and Jardin du Luxembourg

Saint-Germain des Prés is oh, so Parisian with its cafe culture and as a fashionable district in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.  In the days of old Paris, the area was a gathering place for intellectual thoughts, musings, and writings among the famous elites. One of them include Hemingway. Cafes that have stood the test of time cling on to the historical facts that their patrons include past intellectual and literary elites. Hemingway frequented Les Deux Margots though today it has become more of a touristy destination. Another cafe that is famous for its past is Cafe de Flore that was frequented by intellectuals. Boulevard Saint-Germain is where one will find a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Turn onto rue de Rennes and rue de Grenelle for an afternoon of shopping. Art galleries and more boutiques are situated along Rue Bonaparte. The oldest church in Paris, Eglise Saint-Germain des Prés, offers free admission and stepping inside the church offers a moment of solace. Philosopher Descartes was buried in this church.

All over the city are oases of greenery that offer a momentary reprieve. The gardens are very well manicured and one that stands out especially is the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg. When the sun is out on a beautiful day, people grab a chair for themselves and sit reading a book. Or, they lay on the grass enjoying some idle time. It sure doesn't take a whole lot of effort to enjoy the magical city of Paris.