Saint Germain des Pres is one of the attractive districts of Paris, developed around the abbey of St. Germain during the 17th century. Earlier the region was the site of some of the popular churches of France, which were completely demolished by the Normans in the 9th century. All these churches were later restored during the 11th century. Since then a small township developed around the concentrated area of churches in Paris and was named Saint Germain des Pres. This district is unique because of its intertwining old and new characteristics. Location of Saint Germain des Pres is in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. The district has developed keeping the church of the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés as its central landmark.
St-Germain-des-Prés was initially a little market town established around the abbey of St. Germain. The town was earlier mainly occupied by the Benedictine monks. The church and the tombs of the Merovingians trace back to the early days of the towns establishment. The adjacent land, along the Seine is the site of the
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University Pré-aux-Clercs.
Marguerite de Valois, Henry IV's first wife bought a piece of the Pré-aux-Clercs land and built an enormous building overlooking the Seine.
Several governmental ministries are located at the 17th century mansions and courtyards, which were previously residences of some of the well-known statesmen of the region. Saint Germain des Pres remained unharmed and unchanged even after the turbulence created during the French Revolution. The district revived and emerged with a new identity only after the Second World War. Saint Germain des Pres in Paris was recognized as a hub of intellectualism.
The district of Saint Germain des Pres is served by the Mabillon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés metro for easy transportation. Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are some of the most frequented attractions of Saint Germain des Pres. Tourists visiting the district must taste the delicious food and beverages offered at these Saint Germain des Pres cafés.
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