The Paris 6th Arrondissement Travel Guide (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)

6th arrondissement Paris

An overview of the 6th arrondissement of Paris

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Best things to do in the 6th arrondissement

Our favorite museums, gardens and churches in the 6th arrondissement of Paris

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where to shop in the 6th arrondissement

The best grand magasins and boutiques in the 6th arrondissement of Paris

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where to eat in the 6th arrondissement

A list of our favorite restaurants, cafes, bakeries and coffee shops in Paris’ 6th arrondissement

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where to stay in the 6th arrondissement

A list of our favorite Parisian hotels in the 6th arrondissement of Paris

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Bonjour

If this is your first time on The Weithouse - welcome! My name is Taylor and I’m the girl behind the screen and camera bringing you resources to help you plan the trip of your dreams.

In January of 2022, my husband and I left our home in Atlanta, packed our bags and moved to Paris! Every day we wake up in disbelief that we get to call this incredible city our home, a city full of rich history, world-renowned food, and beauty hidden around every corner.

In this 6th arrondissement guide, we’re sharing all of our favorite things to do, places to shop, restaurants to eat at and hotels to stay in that are based in our little neighborhood of Paris.

6th arrondissement Paris

Parisian Arrondissements

The city of Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements. Those arrondissements sit within a circular perimeter and spiral out in numerical order from the center of the city to the edge of this perimeter. Each arrondissement acts like a mini city within Paris and has its own mayor and town hall. As such, the personality of the arrondissements can vary greatly from one to the next.

6th (6ème) Arrondissement of Paris

The 6th arrondissement (in French the 6ème arrondissement) is most famously known as the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter of Paris. It is located on the left bank of the Seine River (rive gauche) and is an arrondissement of timeless cafes, posh Parisians and one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. It is often referred to as a “quintessential” Parisian neighborhood (although I personally believe that each arrondissement could be considered so), and you can easily spend the day getting lost in its beautifully ancient streets.

Our neighborhood

The 6eme arrondissement is our neighborhood and where we get to call home. I feel so lucky to get to live and do life in this beautiful part of Paris and to share some of my favorite pieces of it with you. Each day, I am in awe by the beauty of this arrondissement and the people who live here.

The Paris 6eme is both youthful and aged. It is a neighborhood of college students and of posh women, of little ones riding on scooters and of eclectic designers sitting at cafes. It is a place for the dreamers and the writers, for both the reflective and the reserved. It is both quiet and lively, both old and new.

The remainder of this post is a result of my daily living as an expat in the 6th arrondissement. Some things below are “touristy” and some things are not. Regardless of what category the items fall into, if you decide to experience them on your own, you will experience Paris. Paris is so much more than the tourist sights. Although those sights greatly enrich a travel experience, I’d argue that eating at a small hidden cafe no one has ever heard of before could be just as impactful as going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re looking for an experience in the 6th arrondissement that goes beyond checking things off your list, you will find ways to do so in this post. The temptation when traveling is to see as much as possible by moving as quickly as possible. But if you think of a moving car or a moving train, how much can you really see in the blur outside of your window?

If you choose to move more slowly during your time in Paris, and during your explorations in the 6th arrondissement, you will discover things that could only be discovered by you. You will listen to conversations or watch family dynamics or make a friend that you couldn’t have if you never took the time to slow down.

Let everything below guide you, take your time and come experience all the 6th arrondissement of Paris has to offer.

Best things to do in the 6th arrondissement of Paris

If you’re traveling through Paris as a tourist, you’ll likely find yourself in the 6th arrondissement, as it is home to a few famous destinations as well as a handful of places and experiences that will leave you feeling next-level Parisian. Below are both the famous and the less famous, with my favorite things to do in the 6th arrondissement indicated as such.

Jardin du Luxembourg (A personal favorite)

One of the most popular things to do in the 6th arrondissement and rightly so. Jardin du Luxembourg takes up a huge portion of the 6th arrondissement and is an oasis for both locals and tourists alike.

If you want to really feel Parisian, don’t rush through Luxembourg Gardens.

Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the famous green chairs (just be warned that you can only get on the grass in one designated part of the gardens), read your book, write, or simply people watch. If you have children, they can rent sailboats (branded with different countries) and sail them in the central fountain, or take a short pony ride around one side of the park.

There are two restaurants within Luxembourg Gardens, and there are also a few food stands around the central fountain that sell waffles, crepes, coffee and an assortment of other foods.

In the spring, you can enjoy all of the beautiful trees and bulbs that are in bloom, in the summer the array of wild plants and tropical trees and in the fall the stunning colors of foliage and the abundance of mums. Take a stroll along the path that circles the gardens to get a 360 feel of all the park has to offer and to discover both the beehives and orchard.

My favorite spot to pass the time is in a chair under the shade of the trees lining the beautiful Medici Fountain. There are often ducks or ducklings enjoying the fountain and in my opinion it’s one of the most romantic spots in Paris.

Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés (A personal favorite)

Located across from the famous Deux Magots Cafe, next to metro stop Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is in my opinion one of the most exquisite churches in Paris.

The abbey associated with the church was built in 543 AD, making Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés the oldest church in Paris. According to eglise-saintGermaindespres.fr, the current building consecrated by Pope Alexander III on April 21, 1163 is one of the first Gothic buildings in France and in the world.

The interior of the church is an abundance of colors thanks to the hand-painted columns that rise to greet an elaborately domed ceiling dotted with hundreds of tiny gold stars set against a deep blue background. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the sun will shine through the churches’ stained-glass windows, creating playful and spiritual light reflections on the ceiling and the walls surrounding you.

The church is brimming with paintings which can be found both above the lower arches of the cathedral and along the exterior halls. In the central space, there are two sets of paintings above the arches, one set of the prophets of the Bible and one depicting stories from both the Old and New Testament of the Bible.

The church is free to enter and open to the public. It’s not very expansive, meaning you can simply pop in and out as you’re strolling around the neighborhood.

saint sulpice

Another beautiful church to visit in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, Saint Sulpice stands proudly with her two columns overlooking the square of Place Saint Sulpice. Saint Sulpice is only slightly smaller than Notre-Dame, making it the second largest cathedral in Paris. The building seen today dates back to the 17th century and is famously known for being featured in The Da Vinci Code.

The interior of Saint Sulpice is much less ornate than the previously described Saint Germain Eglise, but its raw architecture and rows of pews will leave you feeling inspired and reflective.

During the summer months, small markets are set up in front of the church at Place Saint Sulpice, with rotating vendors selling things from ancient books to antiques.

The church is free to enter and open to the public.

Rue du Canivet (A personal favorite)

To the right when facing Saint Sulpice, you will discover three of my favorite little streets in Paris: Rue Ferou, Rue du Canivet and Rue Servadoni. They are short, cobblestone, pedestrian-only rues (streets) with almost no businesses on them, creating a charm that makes you feel like you stepped back one hundred years in time.

Walking to the end of Rue Ferou or Rue Servadoni will lead you to one entrance of Luxembourg Gardens, so it’s easy to visit Saint Sulpice, stroll along these short streets and arrive at Jardin du Luxembourg.

These streets are also a wonderful spot for taking photos of people or yourself in Paris, as the streets are uncrowded and incredibly picturesque. I especially love a few of the ancient doors on Rue du Canivet.

Bibliothèque Mazarine

At the end of Pont des Arts on the left bank (rive gauche) you’ll find the grand, domed building that houses Institut de France. Within the Institut de France is the enchanting Bibliothèque Mazarine, France’s oldest public library.

It’s free to visit Bibliothèque Mazarine by obtaining a guest pass at the entrance of the Institut de France. You can also get a membership to the library and come work or study inside the library. Just note that no food or drinks or phone calls are allowed.

Place Furstenburg

In the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood of Paris, just around the corner from Eglise Saint Germain, is the simple and adorable Place Furstenburg. It’s so small and unassuming that you could easily miss it. It is however a charming little slice of Paris, with a lamppost directly in the center of a square surrounded by interior design shops, a spice store, a magnificent florist and even a hidden museum (which I will share next).

This would be another great location for taking a few photos if you’re looking for spots to do so in Paris.

Musée National Eugène-Delacroix (A personal favorite)

Hidden in a corner of Place Furstenburg is the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix, a museum dedicated to the work of French painter, Eugène Delacroix, who painted Liberty Leading the People (located in the Louvre) and many other masterpieces. The museum is located in the former apartment and studio of the painter and is a quite small exhibit that you could easily see it in an hour or so.

My favorite part of the museum is the secret garden located between the main portion of the museum and the studio. It is a tiny courtyard full of vines and roses and places to sit. It’s the perfect spot for reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

baking class with maison fleuret

Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement, Maison Fleuret brings French traditions to both tourists and locals alike by offering a variety of baking classes. You can learn how to bake croissants and pain au chocolats, macarons, baguettes, paris-brest, tarte au citron or eclairs.

You can book their croissant baking class here and their macaron class here.

Biologique Recherche

A leader in French skincare with their customized methodology of cosmetic treatment, Biologique Recherche is the perfect “treat yourself” activity when in Paris. If you find yourself in the 6th arrondissement, you can book a facial, body treatment or scalp treatment at their location on 19 Rue de Tournon. Find all their offerings here.

allsteps (Studio gym)

Maybe not the most common thing to recommend in a travel guide, but whether you’re living in the 6th arrondissement or like to work out with locals when you travel, we can recommend Allsteps Studio Gym as the best gym in the 6th Arrondissement (and most likely in all of Paris, although it’s the only one we’ve tried).

We’ve been attending the ITC (interval training connect) classes for over a year now, which are HIIT classes with a coach and small group of other members (max 8 people). Each class is always different and the coach guides you through the workouts for that session. And don’t let the language barrier dissuade you. You can watch by example even if you don’t speak French and the coaches can speak English if necessary.

You can book an ITC one-time trial or three-session pack here. They also offer personal training sessions.

where to shop in the 6th arrondissement

There is no lack of shopping in Paris, and the 6th arrondissement is a great place to discover local French brands and designers. There are endless French boutiques of every category scattered throughout the arrondissement, with many located on Boulevard Saint Germain des Pres, or near Le Bon Marche. My goal in this section is not to list every location of a clothing boutique in Paris (because odds are there are multiple locations throughout the city), but rather to share the more interesting shopping locations that are unique to the 6th arrondissement.

Le Bon Marché

Ok, so the technical address of Le Bon Marché is in the 7th arrondissement, but the shops across the street are still in the 6th arrondissement, so we’re going to include it for the sake of this post.

Opened in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut and his wife Marguerite it was the first of the Parisian grand magasins (department stores) and today continues to welcome visitors in search of a luxury garment or designer bottle of perfume.

Don’t, however, let the prices dissuade you from visiting. Take the time to walk through and experience the buildings’ stunning architecture (I especially love the ceilings on the top floor), the art exhibits often on display within, and the bookstore hidden in the back corner of the top floor.

la Grand Epicerie

If you’re more of a food lover than a fashion lover, you won’t want to miss La Grand Épicerie, just across the street from Le Bon Marché. La Grand Épicerie is like a Whole Foods on steroids, where you can find anything and everything food related, from the finest foie gras on the first floor to a wine cave in the basement. It’s another great location to pick up souvenirs for your food-loving friends or self, or to grab a snack or sandwich to eat in a nearby park.

Cour du Commerce Saint-André / Maison Brémond 1830

Across from the Odeon metro stop in the 6th arrondissement, you’ll discover an almost hidden passage. Although mostly uncovered, unlike the passages found on the right bank of Paris, it is a step back in time with its cobblestone streets and pre-Haussmann architecture.

In the passage is one of my favorite boutiques, Maison Brémond 1830. I actually discovered this boutique for the first time during our travels in Provence and have loved it since.

The store sells a plethora of Provencal food items, such as jams and jellies, lavender honey, olives oils and salts. It’s a great little spot to pick up a few souvenirs for the foodie in your life (or for yourself) and our favorite items are the apricot and lavender jam, the lavender honey and the herbs de provence.

Hermès

Located near Le Bon Marche on 17 rue de Sevres, this Hermès store is housed in what used to be a Parisian piscine (swimming pool), and still features many of the architectural elements of its previous use, such as tiled walls and an inset floor. The location, which includes a restaurant called Le Plongeoir chez Hermes, now includes wooden design elements that remind me very much of the Setas de Sevilla in Seville, Spain.

marin montagut

Located on Rue Madame near Luxembourg Gardens, Marin Montagut is a Parisian artist and designer, who opened his store in Paris in June of 2020. His stunning hand drawn pieces of famous spots throughout Paris or French phrases can be purchased on porcelain, drinking glasses, textiles, and paper. Another good spot for buying a souvenir for yourself or a for a Parisian loving friend.

Mezzanine paris (A personal favorite)

A quaint Parisian boutique, located just around the corner from Le Bon Marche. Mezzanine Paris is a home decor store offering beautiful French pieces from personalized French linen fabrics to heirloom hand-painted dishes. I always love popping in their small location to peruse whatever is new for the season and to feel inspired by the overall delicate and graceful vibes of the space.

Officine Universelle Buly

If you’re in search of a Parisian perfume or simply love a good step back in time experience, you can find both at the Officine Universelle Buly located in the 6th arrondissement, near the river on 6 rue Bonaparte. The interior is inspired by the original store and features wooden pharmacy cabinets full of soaps, perfumes and the like, bottled up in classic and timeless packaging. Walking through the doors of Officine Universelle Buly feels as though you’ve stepped into a French movie scene and is worth enjoying the interior even if you don’t plan to purchase anything.

Marché Raspail Street market

Three times a week on Boulevard Raspail at metro stop Rennes (line 12) is a traditional French street market. The market is small in scale when compared to some of the other street markets in Paris, however, it still boasts a variety of products for sale including produce, cheeses, meats and flowers. The regular market is held on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 7AM - 2:30PM and an organic market is held on Sundays from 9AM-3PM.

Citypharma

Visiting a pharmacy might sound like an odd piece of advice, but if you’re looking for the best of the best in French skincare at unbeatable prices, you’ll want to visit the Citypharma located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The shopping experience can be slightly overwhelming, as the pharmacy is 3 levels of anything and everything you could possibly imagine, from skincare on the first floor to mouth care on the top floor.

The store is often very crowded, as the prices are the most affordable in all of Paris. Within the pharmacy are 50 pharmacists, preparers, dermo-cosmetic consultants and dieticians, that are ready to help you locate a specific product or answer any questions.

My favorite brands to shop here are Caudalie and La Roche Posay.

Citypharma is located at 26 rue du Four in the 6th arrondissement in between Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint Sulpice.

Alix D. Reynis

Located near Place Furstenburg is the adorable home decor shop of Alix D. Reynis, a porcelain artist selling both her stunning dishware pieces and jewelry. In the shop, you can find everything including stunning white porcelain dishware, candlesticks, stationary, candles and jewelry. This is a great shop to find some heirloom pieces made by a French artisan to bring home and treasure forever.

Elda Rose

There’s nothing like purchasing flowers while in Paris, and our favorite spot to do so in the 6th Arrondissement is at Elda Rose. They offer €3 euro packs of flowers that you can build into an incredibly beautiful and affordable bouquet. The owners are so kind and buying my weekly bouquet is one of my favorite Parisian activities.

Le dilettante

Located near the Odeon Theater (just outside of one exit of Luxembourg Gardens) is this corner bookstore selling both new editions and used editions of a plethora of books. You can find their 5 euro books in carts sitting outside or you can stumble inside to find vintage used Paris books, art books and any other genre of book you’re looking for.

LA Soufflerie

If you’re looking for beautiful hand-blown glassware to bring back as a souvenir from France, look no further than La Soufflerie. They sell all things glass from vases to candles to cups, and the items come in various timeless color ways.

where to eat in the 6th arrondissement

According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are around 26,000 restaurants in Paris. This means that figuring out where to grab a bite to eat can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you are looking for a quick lunch or a restaurant where you don’t have to make a reservation.

If you’re in search of the best cafes or the best restaurants in the 6th arrondissement, there is no shortage of either. The 6th arrondissement has a handful of famous brasseries and cafes, some of the oldest restaurants in Paris, and shares a portion of the Latin Quarter with the 5th arrondissement.

Many of the places I’ve included below might not be what you’d expect to see on a post about eating in Paris and that’s because many of them are restaurants that we frequent as residents of Paris vs. tourists. Nonetheless, they are all tested and approved restaurants by yours truly, and many of them are quick, easy and, of course, delicious.

And although I love every place listed below, I want to caveat with the opinion that I think other arrondissements of Paris offer a more diverse and holistic gastronomic experience in comparison to the 6th arrondissement. That’s not to say that you can’t find amazing restaurants in the 6th arrondissement, but it’s just not the neighborhood where we’ve eaten our best meals in Paris.

best CAFÉS & BRASSERIES in the 6th arrondissement

Eating at a cafe and/or brasserie during your time in Paris is essential. It is a cultural experience, especially during petit dejeuner (breakfast). At a traditional petit dejeuner, you will get a hot drink, orange juice, croissants, toast and jam, and can sometimes add an egg. The goal is to sit curbside, facing the street, and watch the passersby as you consume your coffee and croissant at a leisurely pace.

Les Deux Magots & Café de Flore

The two famous cafes located in the 6th arrondissement are Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. We have eaten at both multiple times, and we prefer Café de Flore over Les Deux Magots. The two cafes are literally steps from each other, with Les Deux Magots having a large, more prominent location on the corner and featuring a covered outdoor seating space.

For breakfast, Les Deux Magots offers a few fixed petit dejeuner menus, where you can get a full spread of breakfast items. On the other hand, Café de Flore offers an à la carte breakfast, where you can order individual items off the menu. Both cafes are relatively overpriced simply because they can be, and we prefer the food quality and overall experience better at Café de Flore.

If you do choose Café de Flore, and you want a picture-perfect breakfast, order the cappuccino which comes with “Café de Flore” written in the froth. Also be sure to order a chocolat viennois, which is hot chocolate with cream that is a fun eating experience. For food, you can order a croissant or pain au chocolat, bread and butter, or our personal favorite, the quiche lorraine.

Other cafes or brasseries in the 6th arrondissement
In addition to Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, the 6th arrondissement has plenty of other cafes and brasseries to choose from. A few others in the area that we’ve tried and enjoyed are:

• Brasserie Des Prés: Located in Cour du Commerce Saint-André, this newly opened reimagined cafe is a great spot to sit curbside or fine dine in the playfully designed interior space upstairs.

• Le Bonaparte: Located near Deux Magots, a traditional cafe that has a delicious croque madame.

• Le Paris Paris: Located near Marche Saint-Germain and offers all of the classic French menu items in a cozy environment.

• Cafe Madame: Located on the corner of Rue Madame, across from Marin Montegut. A great spot for lunch or a cozy dinner.

• La Palette: We’ve actually never eaten here, but it’s on our list and has a cute terrace on the exterior.

• Le Prince Racine: Located near Le Théâtre national de l'Odéon and near Luxembourg gardens, a cute cafe with delicious food.

Best Brunch & BEst coffee in the 6th arrodissement

Maison Fleuret (Coffee & Food): If you love books and you love coffee and you love cozy little corners, then be sure to stop for a coffee at Maison Fleuret while in the 6th arrondissement. The now coffee shop was once an ancien biblioteque (ancient bookstore) and is still outfitted with the original floor to ceiling wooden bookshelves. The shelves are lined with modern books, which you can enjoy viewing from either the downstairs seating or the upstairs loft (accessed by a stunning iron spiral staircase). This is one of my favorite rainy day spots in Paris, but can easily be enjoyed come rain or shine, and they have lunch available most days.

Saint Pearl (Coffee & Food): Saint Pearl is a petite cafe located in the Saint-Germain neighborhood of Paris and offers hot and cold beverages, brunch and pastries. The food is as beautiful as it is delicious, and I personally prefer ordering the flowery pancakes. If you visit on a Saturday near lunch time, you’ll likely have to wait in line for one of the few tables, but if you head there for breakfast or for a late lunch (around 2PM) you should be able to find your seat without a wait.

Ten Belles (Coffee & Food): A sourdough bakery and specialty coffee-roaster, the Ten Belles location in the 6th arrondissement is right around the corner from Le Bon Marche. The footprint is relatively small, with four interior tables and a few outdoor tables, but the specialty coffee is some of the best coffee we’ve had in Paris. They also sell sandwiches during lunch on their handmade sourdough breads as well as delicious pastries (such as a sesame cookie that I buy quite frequently). If you are looking for coffee beans to bring home, you can buy their specialty roasts in the shop.

Mademoiselle Angelina (Coffee & Food): Angelina is a famous Parisian spot for grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, and their location within Luxembourg Gardens is seemingly unknown. It’s rarely crowded, has a delicious lunch menu, and of course the famous Angelina hot chocolate. It’s located next to the Musée du Luxembourg on the side of the park facing Saint-Sulpice.

Treize au Jardin (Brunch): A little Southern comfort right next to Luxembourg Gardens, Treize au Jardin offers all the southern soul food right in the heart of Paris. It might seem crazy to eat Southern food while in France, but we’ve eaten here a few times when we’re craving the flavors of home and it always hits the spot. In the nice weather months, you can grab a drink on their terrace and still enjoy a view of the gardens across the street.

Bonjour Jacob (Coffee shop only): Strictly a coffee shop (no brunch options here), the concept at Bonjour Jacob is good coffee and good magazines. The location in the 6th arrondissement is steps from Pont Neuf and is a great location if you need a break after strolling along the Seine. I ordered an iced chai here once while waiting to pick up my dog from the groomer nearby and it was delicious. Also, a great place to get a grab and go coffee.

(Pictured below: Bonjour Jacob Coffee Shop in the 6eme Arrondissement)

Colorova (Brunch, Pastries, Coffee): Located near Le Bon Marche and metro stop Saint Placide (on line 4), Colorova offers breakfast, brunch and lunch in an airy and colorful setting, perfect for grabbing lunch with friends or work colleagues.

Terres de Cafe (Coffee shop only): A pioneer in the field of "specialty coffees" in France, Terres de Cafe is really a spot to visit if you are a coffee connoisseur. The brand was recognized in 2017 as the first specialty coffee roaster in France, and you can even purchase any of their coffees in bean or pod-form. In late 2022 they opened their location in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood of Paris, right around the corner from Place Furstenberg. There’s only one little table inside, so if you head here for a coffee pick me up, you might have to get it to go.

The Coffee (Coffee shop only): A coffee shop franchise that originated in Brazil and was inspired by the to-go coffeeshops of Japan, The Coffee can be found in a few locations throughout Paris. Their location in the 6th arrondissement is located on Rue Mazarine and has a few indoor seats available on the inside. Their menu offers customizable coffees and matchas, perfect for varying coffee tastes.

Le Café du Clown (Coffee Shop Only): A cute little coffee shop located in the Marché Saint-Germain, near Saint Sulpice Eglise. The coffee shop has a few tables inside as well as a handful of tables outside. If you want cozy coffee shop vibes out of the sun, swing by if you find yourself near Saint Sulpice Eglise.

(Pictured below: Cafe du Clown Coffee Shop and Ten Belles Coffee Shop)

Effortless (and Affordable) Meals in the 6th arrondissement

There are a lot of great options for effortless meals to eat in the 6eme arrondissement, especially if you just need a quick bite or have picky eaters. The restaurants listed below in the 6th arrondissement are easy, affordable, don’t require a reservation and are great grab-and-go options.

• Sōma Sando: Delicious Japanese sandwiches near Luxembourg Gardens. Our order is the Torisando. No reservation needed. A good option to get to go and go eat in the park.

• L'Atelier Artisan Crepier: For your crepe fix, they offer both savory crepes (galettes) and sweet crepes. Near Saint-Sulpice. No reservation needed.

• Honey Home: Now with two locations in the 6th Arrondissement, one near Saint-Michel Metro station and one near Saint-Placide metro station, we come here for delicious poke bowls. No reservation needed.

• Cook’n Saj: Mediterranean bites near Saint Germain Eglise. The owners are incredibly nice and the food delicious. No reservation needed.

• La Grand Épicerie: Grab a to-go bite from the cafeteria or a Spanish sandwich in La Grand Épicerie and eat it in Square Boucicaut.

• Clasico Argentino: Delicious and cheap empanadas. There is a location around the corner from our house that we frequent. No reservation needed.

• L’epicerie Jeanne: For some of our favorite sandwiches in Paris. Located on Rue du Cherche-Midi near Le Bon Marche. No reservation needed. Only open during lunch hours.

• La Galerie: The closest thing I’ve found to an American equivalent bagel in the 6th arrondissement (there are bagel shops, but I have opinions about those). The sandwiches aren’t technically bagels, but they give you the general feelings. I order Le Journal which even comes with cream cheese. The shop is located on Rue du Cherche-Midi near Le Bon Marche. Open during lunch.

• Sama Loubnane: Technically this address is in the 5th arrondissement, but it’s on the edge of Jardin du Luxembourg and a really great option to get to go and sit in the park. Some of the most delicious Lebanese food I’ve ever eaten. I order the Shawarma viande plate, and you can also get wraps for incredibly cheap. No reservation needed.

• Spécimen Burger: If you’re craving a no frills burger and having menu anxiety, look no further than Spécimen Burger, located near Saint-Sulpice on Rue Guisarde. The menu consists of two burgers and two burgers only, with the option of course, to order fries as a side. There is cool, ambient indoor seating, and they’re open until 10:30PM for your late night burger cravings.

• Ata Street Food: Located on a small street across from Le Bon Marché, this affordable, Mediterranean eatery serves up delicious pita, plates and sides in a stunning boho interior space. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner (no dinner on Sundays), and although we’ve walked in and had no issues getting a table, a reservation is recommended.

• Hutong Paris: A Chinese restaurant on the edge of Luxembourg Gardens offering delicious noodles, baozis, brioches and ravioli (dumplings). They also sell bubble tea and other drinks. It’s a very casual setting and you don’t need a reservation.

Dinner in the 6th Arrondissement

Again, my personal opinion is that the 6th arrondissement doesn’t have the best of all the food in Paris, but there are still some really great places to grab a delicious dinner in the neighborhood.

• Marcello: Our favorite Italian restaurant in the 6th arrondissement. Everything is delicious and the ambience is great for couples or larger groups. Reservation is needed. Near Saint-Sulpice.

• Joayo Luxembourg: For a fun weekend eating experience, Joayo Luxembourg is a Korean barbecue restaurant near Luxembourg Gardens. Reservation is needed.

• Le Relais de l'Entrecote: We haven’t eaten here (yet), but this is a very famous steak and frites restaurant near Eglise Saint Germain. No reservations (there is normally a line).

• Georgette: A classic French gastronomic experience. Slightly higher prices, with indoor and outdoor seating. Reservation is needed. Located near Luxembourg Gardens.

• The Crying Tiger: Thai cuisine located near Le Bon Marche. Reservation needed.

• Le Procope: Called the oldest restaurant in Paris, with a menu of traditional French cuisine. Near the river. Reservation is needed.

• Evi Evane: Greek cuisine located near Saint-Sulpice Eglise and Marché Saint-Germain. The interior space is cozy and it’s a great spot for date night or to share an assortment of plates and appetizers with friends. Reservations needed.

• Kanpai: A traditional Japanese sushi restaurant, offering delicious sushi, sashimi and all of the classics.

• Dandino: Another delicious Italian option, located on a bustling street with curbside tables and brasseries and bars. They offer a huge menu ranging from pasta to pizzas and you can either sit curbside or in the beautiful interiors. This would be a great spot if you need to accommodate a large group of people (due to the large menu) or if you’re wanting a fun vibe for dinner or drinks.

• Bonito Y Sabroso: A cuban restaurant, more of a recommendation if you’re a local Parisian versus a tourist, we discovered this tiny restaurant in the Latin Quarter when craving the full-bodied, robust flavors of Mexico and the Caribbean you often can’t find in Paris. As a tourist, you likely won’t be craving Cuban food, but if you live in Paris and are wanting to try some delicious ropa vieja or are simply craving black beans, this is a great dinner option!

bread in the 6th arrodissement

Regardless of where you are in Paris, you will find good bread in the form of boulangeries. The boulangeries are often found on street corners and there is normally one within a few steps of wherever you find yourself. This is true in the 6th arrondissement of Paris as well, and below are a few of our frequented boulangeries:

• Poilâne: one of Paris’ oldest bakeries which is still family-owned and operated. Located near Le Bon Marche.

• La Parisienne: Near Luxembourg Gardens, a traditional boulangerie outfitted with breads, pastries and patisseries.

• Breads & Roses: Near Luxembourg Gardens, both a restaurant and standalone bakery.

Pastries & Desserts in the 6th Arrondissement

Similar to bread, regardless of where you are in Paris you are surrounded by delicious patisseries and sweet treats. You can often buy pastries from a boulangerie, but below are a few additional spots to grab a few famous Parisian delicacies.

• Aux Merveilleux de Fred: Our favorite dessert in Paris. Order the mini caramel meringue or the chocolate chip brioche. The location in 6th arrondissement is near Odean at 1 rue de l'ancienne comédie.

• Ladurée: I always tell our guests that even if you’ve eaten a macaron in the United States and didn’t enjoy it, to try one in Paris anyways. They are just better here. There is a beautiful Ladurée location in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood where you can get your macarons and also have afternoon tea. Located at 21 Rue Bonaparte. They also just opened a location across from Jardin du Luxembourg (on the Pantheon side), with curbside seating.

• Pierre Hermé: My preferred French macaron. I always describe Ladurée as sweeter and more artificial tasting, whereas Pierre Hermé has more natural tasting flavors that are less sweet. There is a Pierre Hermé location just around the corner from Saint Sulpice on Rue Bonaparte.

• La Grand Epicerie: On the first floor of La Grand Epicerie you will find all of the french patisseries your heart could desire. They have beautiful patisseries, from macarons to Paris brests.

• La Meringaie: A shop dedicated to the love of pavlova and meringue. Located near Le Bon Marche on Rue du Cherche-Midi.

where to stay in the 6th arrondissement

With over 1500 hotels, figuring out where to stay in Paris can feel overwhelming and time consuming.

As far as Parisian neighborhoods go, the 6th arrondissement is a much quieter area of Paris and is a good arrondissement to book a hotel in if you prefer less hustle and bustle in the late hours of the night. The 6th arrondissement is walking distance to many famous landmarks (such as Luxembourg Gardens, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Seine, Musee D’Orsay, and the Louvre) and has a few central metro lines that can directly take you to any portion of the city.

If you do choose the 6th arrondissement as your homebase during your stay in Paris, I’ve hand-picked the below hotels in this neighborhood that all have amazing locations and wonderful aesthetics. I have personally walked by each of these hotels (and even stayed in a few) so they have all been vetted by a Parisian local.

To see all of our favorite hotels in Paris, check out our curated selection of Parisian hotels over on Stay Well.

Hotel Madame Bonsoir

Located steps from Luxembourg Gardens, a quiet and unassuming hotel that we’ve personally stayed in and recommended to a few friends. It’s received nothing but positive reviews all around. It isn’t the “most-aesthetic” hotel, but it’s modern and cute and clean and incredibly quiet. This would be a really great spot to book if you have children and want to give them some space from the sensory overload that is Paris.

Hotel Dame des Arts

Another really amazing location in the 6th arrondissement, Hotel Dame Arts opened in January 2023 and has been completely renovated with a modern and timeless design. The hotel is located in the Latin Quarter, walking distance to the Seine and to Notre-Dame Cathedral. It also features a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Paris.

*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own

Hotel Saint-André des Arts

Newly opened at the end of 2022 and inspired by the 70’s, Hotel Saint-André des Arts has an amazing location in the 6th arrondissement, across from one entrance of Cour du Commerce Saint-André and steps from the river. Although we haven’t personally stayed here, I’ve walked past it many times and again, I can’t recommend the location enough.

*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own

Hotel Lutetia

With rooms starting at over 1000 euros a night, Hotel Lutetia is the spot if you’re looking for luxury accommodations in the 6th arrondissement. It’s location on the corner of Boulevard Raspail and Rue de Sevres overlooks Le Bon Marche and features 176 Guestrooms and Suites.

*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own

Hotel des Academies et des Arts

A little more off the beaten track in the 6th arrondissement, but a great spot for someone looking for a hotel experience with an art-centric focus. It is a boutique hotel with only 20 rooms and features different artists on exhibit throughout the year. We’ve personally stayed here and really enjoyed the artist experience.

Hotel Des Grands Voyageurs

A newly renovated hotel, just steps from the Saint-Placide metro station. It’s in the perfect location for discovering the area around Le Bon Marche and all of the shops and restaurants on rue du Cherche-Midi . It’s also walking distance to Jardin du Luxembourg.

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré

On the edge of the 6th Arrondissement, at the intersection of Boulevard Raspail and Boulevard Saint Germain, sits this newly renovated hotel features a roaring 20s design and elegant amenities for the indulgent, design-loving traveler.

QUESTIONS

Have questions? Ask away! There is a comment box at the bottom of this page to ask any and all questions you might have about anything in this post or anything I didn’t cover.

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Need help planning the rest of your trip?

If you’re exploring more of Paris, be sure to check out the complete guide to Paris, our roundup of boutique hotels in Paris, and where we like to sip coffee in Paris. You can also find guides to the best day trips from Paris, if you want to visit Château De Fontainebleau, Château De Chantilly, or Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny.

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