Timeless Elegance in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ex-kyoo-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [a-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [a-pay-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhew-stuh]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uh]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wee]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo ay tuhn/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Saint-Germain-des-Prés derives its name from the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which was founded in the 6th century by the Bishop of Paris, Germain. This early Christian foundation played a vital role in the spread of Christianity in the region. The abbey became a major center of learning and culture during the Middle Ages, attracting scholars and pilgrims alike.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Germain-des-Prés evolved into a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. It was frequented by philosophers like René Descartes and later became associated with the Enlightenment. This period saw salons flourish, where writers, artists, and thinkers gathered to discuss ideas that would shape modern thought.

In the 20th century, the neighborhood became synonymous with existentialism, largely due to the influence of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. The couple's café, Café de Flore, served as a gathering place for intellectuals and artists, marking Saint-Germain-des-Prés as a cornerstone of post-war Parisian cultural life. This movement left an indelible mark on literature and philosophy.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been a cradle for various art movements. The area witnessed the rise of jazz in the 1940s and 1950s, with clubs like Le Tabou and Le Club Saint-Germain attracting musicians such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. This vibrant musical scene contributed to the cultural tapestry of Paris and solidified the neighborhood’s reputation as a creative epicenter.

Throughout the centuries, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has maintained its architectural heritage, featuring stunning examples of Romanesque and Gothic styles, particularly evident in the abbey itself. The neighborhood's blend of historic buildings and modern establishments exemplifies the ongoing dialogue between past and present, reflecting Paris's commitment to preserving its rich cultural landscape.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is centrally located in Paris, making it accessible from various neighborhoods. You can take Metro Line 4 to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés station or Line 10 to the Mabillon station. Buses such as lines 63, 86, and 95 also service the area. If you're coming from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station, it's a short walk or a quick ride on Metro Line 12 from the Saint-Lazare Metro station.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is best explored on foot, as many of its charming streets and landmarks are within walking distance. The neighborhood is well-served by public transport, including the Metro, buses, and even bicycles through the Vélib' bike-sharing system. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available if needed.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, standard precautions should be observed. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like cafés and tourist attractions. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it's advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night and to keep valuables secured.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Hôpital Cochin, located a short distance away. Always carry your ID and health insurance information. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health concerns, and many are open late.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Parisians take pride in their appearance. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops in restaurants. Religion: Do respect the local customs when visiting churches; dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a 'Bonjour' when entering shops or cafés. Don't skip greetings, as it may be considered rude. Eating & Drinking: Do savor local cuisine and try the cafés. Don't rush your meal or expect rapid service, as dining is a leisurely experience.

To experience Saint-Germain-des-Prés like a local, spend time in the charming Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you can enjoy a coffee at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. Explore the vibrant Rue de Buci for fresh produce and artisanal goods in the market. Visit the lesser-known art galleries and boutiques for unique finds, and take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River, especially at sunset.