Few Parisian districts have as rich a past as Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This is a quartier of artists, galleries, writers, literary cafes and history ... The Hotel du Danube invites you to discover the beginnings and story of this venerable district and its distinctive charm, a place with a mysterious allure that continues to inspire creativity.

One of the oldest districts of Paris

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district was truly born in the era of the Merovingian ruling dynasty. Around the year 543, a sumptuous building with high marble columns, a mosaic floor, frescoed walls and a roof covered with gilded copper was constructed. This church, one of the oldest in the capital, was christened the Basilique Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Added to this was a Benedictine abbey. In the 12th century the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral began, and to serve the workforce a village developed around the church and the Abbey Saint-Germain.

The golden age of Saint-Germain-des-Prés

In the 20th century, the intellectual and cultural reputation of the district reached its peak with the arrival of the bookstores, art galleries and publishing houses that set up in the area, turning it into one of the most branché (cool) parts of Paris.

The 30's saw the appearance of the literary cafes of Saint-Germain, including the famous Deux Magots, Le Flore and the Brasserie Lipp, located a few steps from our hotel. At the same time, avant-garde theatre was emerging. Many artists regularly frequented the neighbourhood and became key figures of the rapidly developing scene. In parallel an intense night life sprang up in the Saint-Germain cellar clubs, which pulsed to the sounds of jazz and BeBop.

From the 60s and through the 90s, the district welcomed prestigious fashion brands. Saint-Germain-des-Prés still displays its sense of fashion and luxury style, while keeping its village spirit and cultural traditions intact.
 

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Photo credit : © Roger Salz - Flickr

Hotel du Danube, a 3 star hotel at the heart of Saint Germain des Prés