Guests at the Madison, Artus and de Buci Hotels, mainly lovers of art and fashion, all enjoy the so “Rive Gauche” atmosphere of Saint-Germain-des-Prés with its village-like charm, its markets, street cafés, art galleries and prestigious fashion boutiques.

Day and night, the streets of this lively 'en vogue' neighbourhood are busy with Parisians as well as tourists, wishing to spoil themselves with the latest creations of the famous fashion designers, discover art galleries and museums, having fun in bars and nightclubs or simply strolling in the quaint side streets.

Paris'Left Bank was its centre until the 11 th century, but little evidence of this remains today; solidly built in Roman times, its crumbling constructions served as aquarry for Rive Droite constructions when its population moved to Paris' northern shores.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is named after its 7th century Abbey of which only a Church remains. Its commercial growth began upon the 1886 completion of its cafés and bistros, namely the "Café de Flore" and "Deux Magots" terraces. Its fame came with the 1950's cultural life in the district, as writers and philosophers (Jean-Paul Sartre, Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, Hemingway...) frequented Saint-Germain-des-Prés, its cafés and also jazz clubs.

Located near the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, this area is also known for Art in general. The handsome tract around the upper stretches of "rue de Seine" and "rue Bonaparte" abounds with galleries of contemporary fine art.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an upper-class bourgeois residential district; its quality boutiques and gastronomical street-side commerce is a direct reflection of this.

The Odeon / Saint-Michel area is named after the 17th century theatre located between boulevard Saint-Germain and the Luxembourg Gardens; today, it is best known for its cinemas and cafés.

The Sorbonne University has been a centre of student activity ever since the early 12th century; the neighbourhood is filled with many student-oriented commerce such as bookstores, stationery stores, game shops.