Paris Literary Women Walking Tour: Saint-Germain & Tastings

Women writers who shaped Paris, the streets they walked, and the pastries they knew

You’ll wander Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a local guide who brings Paris’ literary women to life, from Simone de Beauvoir’s favorite haunts to Colette’s rebellious spirit. Taste salted butter caramel from its inventor and try kouignette fresh from a famous bakery. Expect laughter, little-known stories, sweet messes on your fingers, and maybe a new way of seeing Paris by the time you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Literary walk and French pastry tastings

• Walk Saint Germain-des-Prés literary sites
• Learn about female writers and liberation
• Taste salted butter caramel
• Try kouignette pastry

The experience

You step out into Saint-Germain-des-Prés and it’s like the city is already whispering. Our guide, Camille, waved us over with a grin. She had this energy that made you want to listen. We started right away, weaving through narrow streets where Simone de Beauvoir used to rush off for coffee (I tried to imagine her hurrying past these same window displays). There was a moment when Camille pointed at a faded plaque above a bakery and told us about Colette’s stubbornness: her voice dropped a little, like she was letting us in on a secret. The air smelled like butter and rain on old stone.

I’d never really thought about how many women shaped Paris until that walk. We stopped outside a bookshop where George Sand used to meet friends: Camille shared how Sand wore men’s clothes just so she could write and move freely in the city. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “kouignette” (I’m still not sure I got it right) and the baker just laughed, handed us each one warm from the tray. It was flaky, sticky with caramel, salty-sweet. My fingers were a mess but honestly I didn’t care. There was another stop for salted butter caramel (the kind that coats your teeth for ages), and apparently the guy who invented it still works nearby. I didn’t expect to learn so much about desserts along with all this history.

By the end, my head was spinning with stories: some sad, some funny, all tangled up with Paris itself. There were moments I just stopped listening and watched the light on the café tables or caught snippets of French from passing students. Maybe that’s what I liked best: feeling part of something bigger than just a tour group for an afternoon.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided walking through Saint-Germain-des-Prés with lively commentary on female writers in Parisian history, plus two sweet tastings (a salted butter caramel from its original creator and a kouignette pastry from one of the city’s best bakeries) all woven together by your local guide’s stories before you head off into the evening air.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 11:00 and 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (under 16)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Women of Paris

Is this one for you?Walk the Left Bank streets where Simone de Beauvoir, Colette, and other literary legends shaped modern thought: their stories and impact take center stage here, unlike typical Paris tours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (under 16).

How long is the literary women walking tour in Paris?

The tour covers several stops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés over an afternoon walk.

Are food tastings included during the tour?

Yes, two different sweet tastings are included at renowned Parisian bakeries.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Will we visit places connected to Simone de Beauvoir?

Yes, you’ll walk past spots linked to Simone de Beauvoir and other writers.

Does the tour include information about women’s liberation in France?

Yes, your guide will share stories about women’s influence on French society and literature.

Where does the literary walking tour take place?

The tour takes place in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood of Paris.