The Village Saint Paul is truly a village – it is a self-contained area dedicated to peace and the art of living. This tiny block of houses with its stone streets is entirely pedestrian and accessible only through arched passageways. It is located just behind Saint Paul Church, between the noisy rue de Rivoli and the busy road bordering the Seine.
This is a wonderful place to look for antiques, where you’ll find about 200 antique dealers with their doors open every day of the week including Sunday. From medieval design to 1970s retro, the choice is yours. You are welcome to bargain with the dealers as sometimes the price is set depending on your appearance (that is, whether you look like you have money!). But you will find high quality merchandise here, so keep that in mind while you’re negotiating – you don’t want to miss out on a treasure.
Just to the west of Village Saint Paul, you’ll notice a long medieval wall with towers. This is the only section left of the Philippe Auguste fortifications. Dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, Paris was only the size of today’s first six districts. The city was a fortress, completely surrounded by walls and towers to keep out criminals. Today the only real borders of Paris are financial – there are those who can afford to live in central Paris, and those who must live outside of Paris. But that’s another story….
Closer to the Seine and the St. Marie Bridge, stop by the Hotel de Sens, former house of the Archbishop of the City of Sens. With its renaissance style and gothic remains, you’ll feel more like you’re in the Loire Valley than in Paris. This building houses a public library and has a few temporary exhibitions.
Continue across the bridge and you’ll be on Ile Saint Louis, an island that is a favorite among Americans. Properties go for no less than 15,000 euros per square meter and there is nowhere to park, but this is the real Paris, so magical that you can’t help but fall in love with the city. No visit to the Ile Saint Louis is complete without an ice cream from Berthillon – their reputation is legendary! But on a hot day, be prepared to stand in a very long line-up. The Ile is also home to many charming and affordable restaurants, offering great menus for less than 30 euros. A bit touristy for sure, but a great walking tour.
Cross the Pont St Louis and you’ll find yourself on Ile de la Cité. At the east end of this island is the World War II memorial, just by square Jean XXIII. The island is home to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, the masterpiece of gothic architecture built in the 1100s.
It has just undergone a major cleaning project and is now even more magnificent with its pure white stones contrasting against the blue Parisian sky – the perfect photo op. Did you know that in medieval times, cathedrals were completely painted with bright colors, both inside and out? None of this painting remains except on the inside of Sainte-Chapelle, another fantastic church known for its stained glass windows. You’ll find it hidden within the walls of the Palais de Justice.
On your way back to Le Marais from Ile de la Cité, be sure to stop at the incredible flower market. There are nearly 50 stalls offering thousands of potted flowers. From Paris’ popular geraniums to sophisticated orchids – and everything in between – these floral gems are all anticipating a peaceful life in a Parisian window. Take one home with you!
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