PARIS YOUR WAY : FIVE DAY TRIPS FROM SAINT GERMAIN DES PRÉS

In Paris, everything begins with a desire. The desire to wander, to escape, to marvel without ever leaving the city’s vibrant energy. From rue Saint Benoît, in the beating heart of Saint Germain des Prés, days unfold like the pages of an open travel journal. Each one reveals a new escape, an atmosphere, a rhythm. Here, the Parisian art of living is as much savored as it is discovered.

What if you let Paris guide you according to your mood? Between culture, nature, and discreet escapes, here is our selection of day trips to curate as you wish, like a bespoke itinerary.

SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES
the art of living on the Left Bank

Start your day at the Café de Flore or at its iconic neighbor, Les Deux Magots. The atmosphere remains unchanged, blending timeless elegance with the gentle rhythm of Parisian life.

Continue with a visit to the Musée national Eugène Delacroix. Nestled on Place de Furstenberg, this museum occupies the former apartment and studio where Eugène Delacroix settled in 1857 to be closer to the Church of Saint Sulpice. Far from the bustle of Paris, the space captivates with its almost domestic atmosphere: a light filled studio opening onto a hidden garden, sketches, personal objects, and travel mementos that reveal the artist’s creative intimacy. Preserved in the early 20th century by devoted admirers, it now offers a deeply evocative immersion into the master’s world, an ideal way to extend a cultural exploration in serene elegance.

As you step back outside, let yourself wander through the surrounding streets, rue de Seine, rue des Beaux Arts, and rue Mazarine, true artistic arteries of the neighborhood. Here, you will encounter major galleries such as Galerie Lelong & Co, Galerie Kamel Mennour, and Galerie Perrotin, all showcasing leading figures of the contemporary art scene. Yet the true charm of Saint Germain also lies in its more intimate spaces, including Galerie Claude Bernard and Galerie Dina Vierny, as well as the many discreet galleries you stumble upon almost by chance.

Here, art unfolds through an elegant promenade, where heritage and contemporary creation exist in perfect harmony.

For lunch, let your desires guide you through the streets, between intimate tables and discreet addresses that embody all the charm of the Left Bank. The afternoon continues at Shakespeare and Company, followed by a sweet pause at Pierre Hermé.

Insider tip: lose yourself in the discreet passages around rue Jacob, rich with hidden gems and confidential addresses.

MONTMARTRE
bohemian soul at dawn

At dawn, Montmartre reveals an entirely different face. Far from the crowds, its cobbled streets awaken gently under golden light. Leaving early from Hôtel Bel Ami, you enjoy a neighborhood still at rest. The climb to the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, built in the late nineteenth century and inaugurated in 1914, unfolds in a peaceful atmosphere. With its immaculate silhouette overlooking the capital, it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Paris. A privileged moment, before the neighborhood comes back to life.

Among our favorite spots: the first terraces that slowly come alive on Place du Tertre, the true heart of Montmartre, bathed in morning light and animated by artists setting up their easels. A wide selection of cafés invites you to watch the neighborhood awaken. To extend the experience, settle in at Coq Rico, renowned for its French cuisine dedicated to exceptional poultry, heritage breeds, precise cooking, and rich sauces, then indulge in a sweet break at La Maison Rose, perfect for an afternoon treat in an iconic setting.

Those seeking more intimate addresses will prefer a coffee at Le Très Particulier, a hidden garden tucked within Hôtel Particulier Montmartre.

LE MARAIS
elegance and effervescence

Begin at Place des Vosges, then head to the must see Picasso Museum.

For a coffee break, take a seat at Carette, ideal for observing the life of the neighborhood. A few streets away, the Carnavalet Museum retraces the history of Paris in a beautifully renovated setting.

For lunch, opt for a more confidential address such as restaurant Anne, nestled on Place des Vosges within Pavillon de la Reine, where gastronomy unfolds in an elegant and intimate atmosphere.

In the afternoon, explore concept stores such as Merci or niche fragrances at Diptyque.

Good to know: Sundays are particularly lively, perfect for feeling the energy of the Marais.

GIVERNY
an impressionist immersion

For a bucolic escape, head to Giverny, about one hour and fifteen minutes from Paris. This is where Claude Monet shaped his world, between water gardens and vibrant blooms. A day in Giverny feels like stepping into a living painting.

Our suggestion: arrive early to enjoy the gardens in a peaceful atmosphere, then wander through the village before lunch on a terrace. For this, settle in at Les Nymphéas, a charming spot just steps from Monet’s house, perfect for extending the experience in a lush, green setting. You can also opt for Restaurant Baudy, a former artists’ inn where Impressionist painters once gathered, now renowned for its garden and authentic atmosphere.

Insider tip: visit in spring or early autumn for spectacular colors.

VERSAILLES
a timeless royal interlude

Just forty minutes from Paris, Versailles is an obvious choice for a day trip. Beyond the palace, an entire estate awaits: French formal gardens, hidden groves, the Grand Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.

Our suggestion: rent a bicycle upon arrival to explore the estate at your own pace, then enjoy lunch by the Grand Canal.

Insider tip: book your tickets in advance and favor a weekday visit for a more serene experience.

PARIS
the starting point for every desire

From Hôtel Bel Ami, each day unfolds with spontaneity. In the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, the hotel becomes the perfect starting point to explore Paris and its surroundings, between cultural escapes and nature filled interludes.

In the morning, you set out to explore. In the evening, you return to the quiet comfort of your room, savoring a suspended moment after the city’s energy.

It is this harmony that makes all the difference: fully experiencing Paris, then returning to the refined comfort of Hôtel Bel Ami, a true refuge in the heart of the Left Bank.