Guide To Paris 6th Arrondissement

Easily one of the prettiest areas in the French capital, the  6th arrondissement of Paris is known for its modern and spectacular architecture.

The 6th is an exquisite district made up of the historic neighbourhoods of Luxembourg and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. These areas stretch from the Seine River to the north and the Boulevard de Montparnasse to the south.

Luxurious and conveniently placed, the rive gauche (left bank) in Paris’s southern reaches is home to this affluent district.

Two arrondissements border the 6th: the 5th arrondissement (the Latin Quarter) and the 7th arrondissement (the Eiffel Tower), which is located west of the river.

READ MORE: Guide To Paris Arrondissements

The 6th arrondissement has achieved notoriety as a result of the many notable literary individuals who visited the city in the early twentieth century and stayed in the region.

Many tourists visit Paris’s 6th arrondissement for a taste of old-world beauty and history, even if most of the area has evolved, especially in the fabled Saint-Germain des Prés.

Here, you will find antique furniture and art sellers on 6th Avenue along with designer shops. Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre were among those who frequented the establishment in the 1950s.

With the Diocese of Paris and several other institutions located in this conservative district, it is considered one of Paris’ most important cultural hotbeds.

The 6th arrondissement also has lush residential streets, stunning Haussmannian architecture, and a bevy of highly regarded restaurants. Gastronomic attractions such as La Grande Epicérie, which is located in the 7th district, are also within easy walking distance.

The 6th is the place to be if you love history, culture, and the arts, or if you simply enjoy the bustle of city life. This guide to Paris’ 6th arrondissement includes a list of must-see attractions, the city’s best restaurants, and the best hotels to stay.

Guide To Paris 6th Arrondissement

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Things To Do In 6th Arrondissement

Some of the most recognizable attractions in Paris are in the 6th arrondissement. From a garden started by a queen to the city’s oldest department store, here are some must-visit places in the 6th arrondissement.

Luxembourg Gardens

In the eyes of many, Marie de Medicis’ crown jewel is the Luxembourg Gardens. Whether it’s for spring blooms or fall foliage, visitors flock to these rich formal gardens to stroll, picnic, and enjoy the scenery.

Visit the Musee du Luxembourg, which is tucked away in one of the gardens. This is the capital’s first and oldest public museum. Retrospectives of painters like Marc Chagall and Amedeo Modigliani have made it extremely popular in recent years.

Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is well renowned for its stunning clock, which is placed against the backdrop of a former train station.

Unlike several of Paris’ smaller museums, which are typically tucked away and difficult to reach, the Musée d’Orsay lies directly along the Seine’s Rive Gauche (left bank).

A must-see attraction in the French capital,  the Musée d’Orsay houses some of the world’s most famous works of art, including Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

READ MORE: 8 Interesting Facts about Musée d’Orsay

Le Bon Marché

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In Paris, four major department shops are still in business, the oldest of which is Le Bon Marché. This department store is located on the Rive Gauche (left bank) and was founded by Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut, a husband and wife team.

Visit for luxury items, a variety of cafes, and a spot to escape the heat or the rain. Every December, Le Bon Marché is also known to have some of Paris’s best Christmas decorations.

Church of Saint Sulpice

The Church of Saint Sulpice, one of the largest in Paris, is situated on a lovely plaza in the centre of Saint-Germain. It is a 17th-century structure built on 12th-century foundations.

The church boasts a stunning facade, with its two instantly identifiable towers, and gorgeous Delacroix murals. It is also one of the Paris locations where Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code was filmed.

Where To Eat in 6th Arrondissement

Home to some of the prettiest restaurants in Paris, having a meal on the 6th will never be boring. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging, here’s where you can dine in between exploring the area.

Budget

Freddy’s (54 Rue de Seine) – The atmosphere at Freddy’s is unrivalled in this section of the city. Small plates and world-class delicacies are the focus of this contemporary restaurant.

You may savour a selection of three or four dishes that are truly works of art for just €30. Your server will walk you through the process and help you choose the best food for your taste. Both the mushroom and the aubergine plates are must-tries.

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Midrange

Le Colvert Bistrot (54 rue Saint-André des Arts) – This beautiful restaurant with a bistro ambience is conveniently located on rue St-André-des-Arts, near to the Basilica of St-Michel and the Odéon theatre. The service is excellent, and the menu is always fresh and varied, with bistro dishes that are both innovative and well presented.

Luxury

Javette (20 rue Dauphine) – This brand-new Saint-Germain restaurant serves delicious food in a welcoming setting. Javette serves classic French dishes cooked with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Guests at Javette rave about the restaurant’s excellent service and delectable cuisine. The terrasse arrangement may seem weird at first but quite beautiful; you are both inside and outside at the same time.

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Where To Stay in 6th Arrondissement

If you are planning to base yourself in the 6th arrondissement while in Paris, this chic and historic area has several good hotel options. Here are a few of our top picks:

Budget

Welcome Hotel – Welcome Hotel on the 6th is located just 190 meters from Odéon Metro Station and has a sun deck with city views. The Louvre Museum is 800 meters distant, and Notre Dame Cathedral is 900 meters away.

This hotel’s en suite rooms are all spacious, attractive, and well-equipped. There is has a 24-hour front desk as well as complimentary WiFi.

Check out the hotel rates here.

Midrange

La Villa Madame –The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood in Paris’s 6th arrondissement is home to the Hotel La Villa Madame. Free WiFi is available in all of the hotel’s modern, air-conditioned rooms.

Every morning, a buffet-style continental breakfast is offered which you can enjoy in your room, in the living area, or the garden during the summer months.

Nearby landmarks include Saint-Sulpice Church and the Luxembourg Gardens, which are both within a short distance of the hotel.

Check out the hotel rates here.

Luxury

Hôtel de l’Abbaye – Less than one mile from Luxembourg Gardens, Hotel de L’Abbaye in the 6th boasts an on-site bar, as well as an outdoor terrace with views of the garden. Restaurant, 24-hour front desk and room service are just some of the amenities available to guests at this hotel.

Despite the hotel’s elegant decor and furnishings, the rooms of Hôtel de l’Abbaye are warm and welcoming. In addition, some rooms feature a sitting area for guests.

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Check out the hotel rates here.