9.1.17

Saint Germain Market


The Saint-Germain Market has existed in different forms since the 15th century, originally linked to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey. Different buildings have succeeded each other during the centuries… 

The present structure is from late 20th century and imitates somehow the older ones. With a mixture of food and fashion shops and despite being very well located, the market has had some difficulties getting really popular in the last few years. The whole place now has new owners and has been completely remodeled on the street level. 
  
It’s not easy to get a realistic and good view of the outside design of the building - the surrounding streets being quite narrow.


In part of the street level there is still a space where you can find things to eat and drink…

… but large spaces are now occupied by outlets of international giants like (U.S.) Apple (yes, I’m a customer)…

… like (Japanese) Uniqlo (yes, I’m a customer)…

… like (British) Marks & Spencer (yes, I’m a customer)…

… like (Swiss) Nespresso (yes, I’m a customer – some 10 coffees per day).


The building houses also an underground gymnasium, a swimming pool, parking space… and, on the top floor, a music school, an auditorium… 

11 comments:

[G@ttoGiallo] said...

Thanks, Peter, I'm missing all these places so badly!

Virginia said...
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Virginia said...

YOU are the reason George is smiling in all the Nespresso ads! :) BTW, I don't know why I've never been by this place since, but I do remember our whole gang piled in there in 2008 seeking a nice toilette. It served its purpose, but I don't remember thinking I wanted to go back.

I'd hate to think how laid back you'd be if you didn't down 10 espressos a day. HA
V

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Wonder if this Marks and Spencers is one that is closing! I know many are in Paris. Maybe just the food outlets. Struggling. This is one shop I don't wish to see. Thanks for sharing though. 😊 ..

Anne in Oxfordshire said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Bonjour!

Delicious photos as usual and an equally delicious looking shopping center. How tempting!

The pleasure of drinking coffee is indescribable? Is it perfectly healthy to drink it a lot? The answer is yes, according to many sources, among them the Mayo Clinic.

Hmm............Don't forget to listen to your body, said my doctor two months ago. He told me to start drinking decaf coffee. He thinks too much caffeine is starting to affect my sight.

So, what's the bottom line for heavy coffee drinkers, then? Are there any detrimental symptoms related to too much caffeine? Difficulty sleeping? Too much of it affecting your eyesight?

How about the feeling of happiness when just the smell of it makes a person want to behave! That's very powerful for anybody's well being, I think.

Thank you, Peter for your lovely post.
Maria

Shammickite said...

Marks and Spencers used to be here in Canada many years ago, but all have closed now. Sad really, I loved their Battenberg cakes!!!!
10 coffees a day, I hope you try decaf soon!
Nice pictures of an interesting market.

Jeanie said...

Well, this looks like a spot to put on my list! Thanks, peter!

French Girl in Seattle said...

The secret is finally out: To run a successful blog for over 10 years, with two {well-researched} posts a week, one must consume 10 espressos a day -- Nespresso Ristretto, of course. -- Veronique

claude said...

Je ne connaissais pas ce bâtiment. Va falloir que j'aille y faire un tour la prochaine fois que je vais à Paris. J'ai un tee shirt de chez Uniqlo et je n'achète plus mes dosettes à kawa chez Nespresso puisque maintenant on en trouve partout dans d'autre marques et qui sont compatibles avec ma machine.

Thérèse said...

Bon je vois que tu fréquentes ce beau centre qui m'est encore inconnu à ce jour...