L'Odéon

Our hotel was right down the street from the Théâtre de l’Odéon, and five minutes away from Boulevard St. Michel, a lively street full of bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Whether it was celebrating Natalie’s 21st birthday at Latin Club, or just enjoying a night of drinks and laughs at Le Pub, St. Michel was the place to be for Paris nightlife in the 6th. During the day, the street was just as active, with dozens of restaurants (not necessarily authentic French restaurants), bookstores, and souvenir shops. There was always something to do on Boulevard St. Michel.

We were also footsteps away from the quartier of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, situated on the other side of Boulevard St. Germain, home of the ancient titular church that dates back to the 11th century. (Incidentally, the heart of Descartes is entombed here!) The historic quartier is home to some very well-known cafés (including the oldest one in the world, Café Procope) whose customers included famous philosophers, revolutionaries, writers, and filmmakers.

Related journal entry:
le 5 janvier