Marché Saint-Germain

Throughout the 19th and most of the 20th century, this site functioned as an open-air market where Parisian consumers acquired daily portions of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and fish. Since its transformation into a modern (and enclosed) shopping mall, there remain only about 20 different food merchants, each showcasing ultrafresh foodstuffs. The remaining space is now occupied by about a dozen middle-bracket purveyors of men's and women's clothing, shoes, housewares, and gift items. Also on the premises are about a half-dozen bars, pubs, and restaurants, many of them themed as Irish, Latino, or Scandinavian venues. Most of the shops within the compound are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm. The restaurants and bars each maintain individualized hours of their own. [Frommer's Review]