Paris off the beaten path with Les Parisettes: discovering Saint-Georges
Paris has an endless supply of charming and unique little quartiers off the beaten path. There is something particularly special, je pense, about the ninth-arrondissement district of Saint-Georges – a quiet corner nestled between the busy areas of Saint Lazare and Pigalle.
Just north of the wide boulevards of Opéra and the bustling transport hub of Saint Lazare, and mere minutes’ walk south of the red light district, Pigalle, lies the quiet quartier of Saint-Georges. It is a haven in the middle of the city.
French art & Romanticism: the museums of Saint-Georges
One of Saint-Georges’ finest points is its collection of museums. Perhaps the most unique is the tranquil Musée Gustave Moreau, a salon-like space situated in Moreau’s own apartments. Filled with natural light, the museum is strung floor to ceiling with the romantic artist’s brooding and melancholy works.
Another Saint-Georges museum highlight is the charming Musée de la Vie Romantique. Housed in a cottage in a quiet courtyard, the museum is dedicated to the art, literature, music, and iconic figures of the movement of Romanticism.
A little further south, the world-class Fragonard Musée du Parfum can teach you all there is to know about the art and science of perfumery. A few streets north, you’ll find yourself in the midst of the museum mecca of Montmartre.
Une pause café: Marlette
Another special element of the quartier of Saint-Georges is its burgeoning gourmet scene. The bustling shopping street, rue des Martyrs, is lined with some of the city’s finest fromageries, boulangeries, boucheries, and pâtisseries. Coffee lovers will find some of the best new cafés in the area, with KB Café Shop and Le Sept Cinq being some of the highlights.
One of the best spots for a pause café in Saint-Georges is the lovely new Marlette. Marlette serves some of the finest hot chocolate in Paris and there’s nothing quite so wonderful in this world as their pistachio financiers. They also offer scrumptious brunches; make sure to bring your appetite!
Discover Paris off the beaten path: hidden streets
One of the best ways to discover a new area of Paris is just to wander about. To immerse yourself in Saint-Georges’ charming atmosphere, give yourself a mini walking tour around some of its best streets.
The aforementioned rue des Martyrs is a must-see, as well as rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, where you should stop in at one of the city’s best épiceries, Causses, and rue Henry Monnier, home of the glorious vintage boutique Célia Darling.
Whether you’re looking for museums, the perfect chèvre, or a vintage silk scarf, you’ll be sure to find it in Saint-Georges.
Do you love the Saint-Georges area? What is your favourite Paris corner?
Image credits1. 9th Arrondissement via Wikipedia
2 & 4. © Gemma King
3. Marlette via Marlette
I’m so glad you’ve expressed your love for this area of Paris Gemma – it’s absolutely one of my favourite areas in Paris. I stayed on Rue des Martyrs for a few weeks, and it represented everything idyllic about France for me – amazing cheese shops, boulangeries, even an olive oil shop with it’s own olive tree tucked away in a court-yard. Blissful!
it’s sad how tourists aren’t given the real, great stuff countries have to offer. Rather are only exposed to what everyone sees and does. I think it’s great how you’ve exposed people to another part of paris (which people visit anyway) and have given them another place to see where they can have the hustle and bustle, yet tranquility.