Welcome to the 6th arrondissement, one of Paris's most charming and emblematic districts, renowned for its charm and cultural richness. Nestled on the left bank of the Seine River, the 6th arrondissement of Paris exudes a timeless elegance that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Discover the Roman origins and medieval glory of the 6th arrondissement
The 6th arrondissement, situated on the left bank of the Seine River, traces its roots back to Roman times, with remnants of ancient Lutetia. However, its historical significance flourished during the Middle Ages with the founding of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th century.
Cultural hub at the heart of Paris
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment, the 6th arrondissement of Paris emerged as an intellectual hub. Literary salons hosted by figures like Madame de Rambouillet attracted writers, philosophers, and eminent thinkers, contributing to the intellectual flourishing of France.
The Artists' Quarter
The 6th Arrondissement was the residence and workplace of numerous renowned artists, including Eugène Delacroix and Pablo Picasso. Artists' studios and galleries flourished in the neighborhood, creating an inspiring environment for artistic creation and cultural expression.
Architectural treasures in the 6th arrondissement of Paris
The 6th arrondissement underwent significant transformation during the Haussmannian period in the 19th century, with the creation of boulevards and the reconstruction of many structures. The imposing Haussmannian buildings, with their elegant facades, define the aesthetic of the 6th Arrondissement.
Literary haven of the Left Bank: A storied journey through Paris' 6th arrondissement
The 6th Arrondissement is featured in numerous literary works. Iconic cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots have served as meeting places for renowned writers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Ernest Hemingway. The Shakespeare and Company bookshop, a landmark of English-language literature, has also made its home in the district.
Unveiling the Past: Cultural and historical tours in Paris 6th arrondissement
Visit the French Senate
The Senate is the upper house of the French Parliament under the bicameral system and holds legislative power alongside the National Assembly. The Luxembourg Palace, housing the French Senate, stands as an architectural marvel with its classical design. The palace was completed in the early 17th century to exude grandeur and political significance. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors, including the Senate Chamber, and marvel at the historic art collections adorning the walls.
Practical Information:
- Address: 15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France.
- Opening Hours: The Senate is generally open to the public, but specific areas may have restricted access during Senate sessions. Check the official website of Senate for up-to-date information.
- Public transportation: Luxembourg - RER B
Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)
Created in the 17th century, the Luxembourg Gardens are a magnificent showpiece of French garden design. Immaculate greenery and elegant fountains and statues create a serene atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined paths, enjoy the reflection pool, or relax in the many armchairs scattered around in the Luxembourg neighborhood.
Practical Information:
- Address: Luxembourg Gardens, 75006 Paris, France.
- Opening Hours: The gardens are generally open from early morning to sunset. Opening times may vary seasonally.
- Entrance Fee: Entry to the Luxembourg Gardens is often free. However, take the "dog zone" between the Gay-Lussac and Observatoire gates if you want to walk with your dog in Luxembourg Gardens. In this "dog zone," dogs on a leash and service dogs off-leash with a vest are allowed. Outside this zone, dogs are strictly forbidden.
- Public transportation:
- Metro: Odéon station (lines 4 and 10), Mabillon station (10) and Saint-Germain-des-Prés station (4);
- RER B: Luxembourg-Sénat station.
Saint-Sulpice Church (Église Saint-Sulpice)
Saint-Sulpice Church (Église Saint-Sulpice), a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, is renowned for its vast nave and impressive organ. The Saint-Sulpice church boasts remarkable artwork, including the famous gnomon, an astronomical instrument. Visitors can admire the intricate chapels, stunning frescoes, and the ambiance of this historic place of worship.
Practical Information:
- Address: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris, France.
- Opening Hours: Saint-Sulpice is typically open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
- Public transportation: Metro: Odéon station (lines 4 and 10), Mabillon station (10), Saint-Sulpice (4), and Saint-Germain-des-Prés station (4).
Saint-Sulpice Church (Église Saint-Sulpice)
The literary and artistic history of Paris' 6th district and the best literary cafés in Paris
Paris's 6th Arrondissement has long been a vibrant hub for writers, artists, and intellectuals. During the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment, the 6th district became an intellectual center, hosting literary salons and attracting renowned thinkers. In the 20th century, the emblematic cafés became meeting places for influential writers and artists, reinforcing the district's cultural importance.
Best Literary Cafés in Paris' 6th arrondissement:
Café de Flore: A Literary Haven in the Heart of Paris
Café de Flore, founded in the 19th century, is a landmark in Paris's literary and artistic history. Café de Flore was a meeting place for some of the most influential minds of the 20th century. Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Ernest Hemingway are among the personalities who have frequented its tables. The Café de Flore has witnessed the birth of intellectual movements, lively debates, and the creation of literary masterpieces.
Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France.
Les Deux Magots: Where Parisian Elegance Meets Literary Legacy
Les Deux Magots, a legendary café in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, has been a cultural meeting place since the late 19th century. Named after two Chinese figurines that once adorned the establishment, it quickly became a meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and writers, cementing its place in the annals of Parisian literary history. Les Deux Magots became a favorite meeting place for the intellectual elite during the 20th century, offering an atmosphere conducive to deep discussion and creative exchange. Elsa Triolet, Louis Aragon, André Gide, Jean Giraudoux, Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, Jacques Prévert, and Ernest Hemingway are among the most famous customers.
Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France
Exploring art galleries and exhibitions in Paris 6th arrondissement: A cultural journey
Musée Zadkine: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Montparnasse
Nestled in the charming Montparnasse neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Musée Zadkine is a little-known but captivating museum devoted to the works of Russian-born sculptor Ossip Zadkine (1890–1967). The Musée Zadkine is housed in a former studio where Ossip Zadkine lived and worked, adding a touch of intimacy to the experience. The Musée Zadkine features a charming sculpture garden, providing a serene setting for Zadkine's monumental works. Stroll among the bronze figures and discover the artist's exploration of form and emotion.
The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Address: 100bis Rue d'Assas, 75006 Paris, France.
Musée national Eugène-Delacroix: A Jewel of Romanticism in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Located in the heart of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, the Musée Nationale Eugène-Delacroix showcases the life and work of the celebrated French Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). The museum showcases a rich collection of Eugène Delacroix's paintings, drawings, and personal belongings. Delacroix's art, characterized by its passion, drama, and vivid use of color, profoundly influenced subsequent generations of artists. The Musée National Eugène-Delacroix is bordered by a peaceful courtyard garden, offering a serene space to reflect and appreciate the beauty that inspired Delacroix.
Located in the heart of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, the Musée Nationale Eugène-Delacroix showcases the life and work of the celebrated French Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). The museum showcases a rich collection of Eugène Delacroix's paintings, drawings, and personal belongings. Delacroix's art, characterized by its passion, drama, and vivid use of color, profoundly influenced subsequent generations of artists. The Musée National Eugène-Delacroix is bordered by a peaceful courtyard garden, offering a serene space to reflect and appreciate the beauty that inspired Delacroix.
Address: 6 Rue de Furstenberg, 75006 Paris, France.
Monnaie de Paris: Historic institution for coin production in Paris
La Monnaie de Paris is a historic institution for coin production and a dynamic cultural and artistic center. Located on the left bank of the Seine, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, La Monnaie de Paris has been transformed into an exhibition venue, hosting temporary art exhibitions, exhibitions on the craft and history of coin production, and other cultural events.
Besides, La Monnaie de Paris also boasts a 2-star Michelin restaurant (Restaurant Guy Savoy) and a lovely café (café frappé par bloom) with a picturesque view over the Seine.
Address: 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Shopping and Fashion in the 6th Arrondissement: A Stylish Exploration
Le Bon Marché: Parisian Elegance in a Historic Department Store
Located in the Bac St Germain neighborhood on the left bank, Le Bon Marché is more than just an upscale department store; it's a Parisian institution with a history dating back to 1852. On the edge of the 6th and 7th arrondissements of Paris, Le Bon Marché offers a curated selection of high-end fashion, accessories, and beauty products. Besides, La Grande Épicerie de Paris, housed within Le Bon Marché, is a gourmet haven. Indulge in a culinary journey with a vast selection of gourmet foods, fine wines, and artisanal products.
Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France.
Boutiques in Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood
Wander through the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, where you'll find an array of chic boutiques. This area is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, from renowned fashion houses to independent designers.
Artisanal Shops on Rue de Seine
Explore Rue de Seine for artisanal boutiques offering unique crafts, jewelry, and accessories. The Rue de Seine is known for its artistic charm and is perfect for finding distinctive souvenirs.
Gastronomic Delights in the 6th Arrondissement: A Culinary Journey
Best Restaurants in Paris 6th district
La Jacobine - cozy classic French bistro
La Jacobine is a cozy classic French bistro in a historic passageway - Cour du Commerce-Saint-André- that serves traditional French dishes such as onion soup, coq au vin, and duck confit at a reasonably affordable price.
Address: 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France.
SHIRO | Restaurant Franco Japonais Fusion
Restaurant Shiro is located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris. The restaurant offers a unique fusion of French gastronomy and Japanese influences in an elegant, comfortable setting. The Omakasé 4 Step menu is €79 and includes a starter, an appetizer, a fish dish, a meat dish, and a dessert.
Address: 168 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Restaurant Joséphine Chez Dumonet
Restaurant Joséphine Chez Dumonet, this traditional French restaurant, serves classic and refined French dishes featuring foie gras, soufflés, several delicacies featuring fresh truffles, and an extensive regional wine list.
Address: 117 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris
BREIZH Café Odéon | La Crêpe Autrement
Are you looking for a taste of authentic French crepes? BREIZH Café Odéon | La Crêpe Autrement is the place to go if you're in Paris's 6th arrondissement. For 25 years, Bertrand Larcher's Crêpe Autrement has been serving up the best of Brittany-style crepes with the best local French ingredients such as organic stone-ground buckwheat flour, the famous Bordier butter, label Rouge salmon, free-range eggs, and many more.
Address: 1 Rue de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
Must-try bakeries and pastry shops in Paris 6th district
Poilâne
Founded in 1932 by baker Pierre Poilâne, Poilâne is a 3-generation artisanal bakery located in the heart of the Saint Germain des Prés, renowned for its exceptional bread, especially the iconic sourdough loaf, all handmade and baked in wood-fired ovens.
Adresse: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France
Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is a world-renowned French pastry chef and chocolatier, often called the "Picasso of pastry." Pierre Hermé's creations are celebrated for their exquisite flavors, artistic presentation, and innovative combinations. Pierre Hermé is particularly famous for his macarons and delicate almond meringue cookies filled with a rich, savory ganache. Some must-try macaron flavors are Rose, Litchi, Framboise, MOGADOR with milk chocolate and passion fruit, etc.
Adresse: 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
La Grande Épicerie de Paris: A Gourmet Paradise in the Heart of the City
La Grande Épicerie de Paris: A Gourmet Paradise in the Heart of the City
La Grande Épicerie de Paris, located within Le Bon Marché, is a renowned gourmet food store that captures the essence of French culinary excellence. It's a haven for food lovers, offering high-end products, delicacies, and artisanal treats. You'll discover a wide range of gourmet products, from fresh produce like local French cheese, freshly baked bread, pastries, desserts, and wine to rare ingredients worldwide, such as fresh truffles, caviar, and wagyu beef.
Adresse: 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France
Marché Alimentaire Saint-Germain
Marché Saint-Germain is located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Odéon neighborhoods. You'll find fresh produce like vegetables, fruit, local cheeses, bakery products, and meats.
Address: 4-6 Rue Lobineau, 75006 Paris
Rue de Fleurus holds a special place in the city's cultural history. Rue de Fleurus became famous as the address of Gertrude Stein's salon, a meeting place for influential writers and artists in the early 20th century. Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas welcomed luminaries such as Picasso, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald.
Follow the Seine River banks for a romantic walk. Cross the Pont des Arts, known for its love locks, and enjoy the panoramic views of the river and the iconic landmarks of Paris.
Explore the lively Rue de Buci, a vibrant market street lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and fresh produce markets. Rue de Buci transforms into a nightlife hub as the day turns into the evening. The cafes and bars come alive, with patrons enjoying aperitifs and the vibrant energy of the surroundings.
In the film The Age of Innocence, you may know Place Furstenberg from Ellen Olenska's Paris apartment scene. Place Furstenberg is a charming, intimate square in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris' 6th Arrondissement. This hidden gem exudes a peaceful ambiance and is known for its historic architecture, artistic links, and romantic allure. The square has artistic significance and is frequented by leading figures such as painter Eugène Delacroix, who had his studio nearby. Today, the area continues to attract artists and inspire their work.
Nestled in the heart of the 6th Arrondissement, Chez Papa Jazz Club is a haven for jazz enthusiasts seeking an intimate, authentic musical experience. With its warm ambiance and soulful tunes, this jazz club honors the rich jazz heritage in one of Paris's liveliest neighborhoods.
The PUB St GERMAIN is a chic gourmet pub in the heart of the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood, with greenery and brick wall decoration and a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, offering brunch buffets and meals throughout the day.
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is synonymous with Paris's intellectual and artistic life. It boasts historic cafes like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, bookshops, art galleries, and historic sites such as the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The lively Rue de Buci and Rue de Seine offer many dining and shopping opportunities. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is not only one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris' 6th Arrondissement; it's also a favorite among the American expats for its chic Parisian atmosphere.
The Odéon area in Paris is named after the historic theatre, Théâtre de l'Odéon. It's a lively neighborhood with a mix of students, artists, and locals. Rue de l'Odéon and Rue de Buci, two bustling thoroughfares, are lined with charming cafes, lively bistros, and boutique shops, offering a delightful array of culinary delights and shopping experiences.
Named after the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, the Luxembourg area exudes elegance and tranquility. It's a perfect place for a stroll or a picnic in the park. Rue de Médicis and Rue de Vaugirard are nearby streets offering a mix of shops and cafes.
In the 6th arrondissement, every street corner tells a story, and every experience contributes to the borough's timeless appeal. Whether you're a history lover, an art enthusiast, or looking for the essence of Parisian life, the 6th arrondissement invites you to unravel its layers of beauty and inspiration. Do not hesitate to contact Paris Rental if you want to rent a furnished apartment in Paris' 6th district for the long term.
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