Exploring Beaubourg : A Walking Guide to Paris' Saint-Merri
Partially pedestrianized , the Saint-Merri district is now one of the main tourist areas of Paris, in particular due to the presence of the Georges-Pompidou center. This neighborhood is also known as Beaubourg, and with its numerous shops, and proximity to the Les Halles district, you might find yourself cutting through this area of Paris frequently.
Please be extra cautious around the Pompidou museum. There are a lot of fun street artists to watch, but also pick pockets targeting tourists.
Places to Visit
POMPIDOU
The National Museum of Modern Art! TIP: If you are a fan of the classics, don’t discount the Pompidou. First, check their website for the temporary exhibitions. While this museum primarily features modern art, I find their temp shows to cross over into areas of my personal interest. Don’t discount the Pompidou! And if nothing else, ride up the tunnels to the top for lunch at the Georges V for priceless views of the city. Take care around this immediate area - this is a top pickpocket destination. Website for tickets.
FONTAINE STRAVINSKY
The Stravinsky fountain is a series made up of sixteen sculptures paying homage to the compositions of the musician, Igor Stravinsky. Suggested itinerary: Before grocery shopping on the food street Rue Rambuteau, swing through this square before walking up the street. Take a look at your Google maps and pause - you’re only about four blocks from the River Seine, a couple blocks from Hôtel de Ville, and this square is very accessible to anywhere you might be in inner Paris. Loads of street performers and people watching make this space especially entertaining. FREE.
HOTEL DE VILLE
Hôtel de Ville, the Paris City Hall, is a stunning building that has housed the municipal institutions of Paris since 1357. Walk the exterior and you will often find pop-up installations in front, the Paris tourism office facing BHV, and a lovely garden to the right, facing the river Seine. I highly suggest visiting the Musée Carnavalet to learn more about this historical site and how HDV has played an important role not only for Paris, but for all of France. FREE.
TOUR SAINT-JACQUES
The Saint-Jacques tower is the only remnant of the Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie church , whose new bell tower was built between 1509and 1523. This bell tower is erected in the middle of the first Parisian square, which bears its name, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.
This veritable sanctuary housed a relic of Saint Jacques and was a famous place of pilgrimage as well as the place of worship for the merchants of the district. FREE.
