Paris Perfect’s Guide to the Best of the 6th Arrondissement

When it comes to finding the perfect neighborhood to stay in Paris, the 6th arrondissement is at the top of our list. From its historical charm and cultural landmarks to its vibrant streets lined with cafés, boutiques and galleries, this district is the epitome of Parisian life. Whether you’re sipping coffee at a corner café, shopping along Rue du Bac or wandering the picturesque streets, the 6th exudes the quintessential allure of Paris. And with our Paris Perfect vacation rentals located in this magical area, you’ll have everything at your fingertips. Here’s why we love the 6th, and why we think you will, too!

Cafés, Restaurants & Food Markets

The 6th arrondissement is famous for its iconic cafés and restaurants, where you can enjoy everything from a simple coffee and croissant to start your day all the way to a gourmet dinner.

• Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots: These two legendary cafés are a must-visit, especially for history and art and literature lovers. Sip your coffee where the likes of Picasso, Hemingway and Sartre once gathered, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• Le Comptoir du Relais: Located at the charming Place de l’Odéon, this bistro offers a delightful menu of classic French dishes with a modern twist. It’s one of our favorite spots for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
• Poilâne Bakery: This iconic bakery on Rue du Cherche-Midi is the place to go for artisanal bread. Don’t leave without trying their famous sourdough loaf or their buttery apple tarts.
• Marché Saint-Germain: For a taste of local life, visit the market at Marché Saint-Germain. Here, you’ll find fresh produce, cheeses and pastries—perfect for creating your own Parisian picnic in the nearby Luxembourg Gardens.

Shopping

The 6th arrondissement is also a shopper’s paradise, with streets filled with both chic boutiques and high-end designer stores. Here are some of our favorite spots for shopping:

• Rue du Bac: This elegant street is lined with sophisticated shops and boutiques, offering everything from fashionable clothing to home décor. Make sure to stop by Le Bon Marché and the neighboring La Grande Épicerie, Paris’ oldest department store, where you’ll find luxury brands, gourmet food and beautiful displays.
• Rue de Sèvres: A stone’s throw from Rue du Bac, this street is home to top fashion brands like Hermès, as well as smaller independent shops where you can discover unique pieces.
• Rue du Dragon: If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, Rue du Dragon is perfect. Here, you’ll find charming, independent boutiques, and it’s also home to our Maranges vacation rental. Staying at Maranges means you’ll have all the best shopping just steps from your door.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Stroll through this stylish neighborhood for a mix of art galleries, bookstores and fashion boutiques. Be sure to visit Diptyque for their famous candles or Pierre Hermé for an indulgent box of macarons.
• Rue de Buci: A bustling market street that offers a lively shopping experience, with its charming stalls, cafes and unique boutiques. It’s the lovely spot to shop for ingredients to enjoy cooking at home at your Paris Perfect vacation rental!

Luxembourg Gardens

A visit to the 6th arrondissement wouldn’t be complete without spending time at the stunning Luxembourg Gardens. This expansive green space offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, and there’s plenty to see and do here:

• Palais du Luxembourg: Admire the impressive architecture of this 17th-century palace, now home to the French Senate. Tours are organized on Mondays and Fridays, provided the Senate is not in session, and are limited to a maximum of 40 people. The palace is also often open for the European Heritage Days during the third weekend of September.
• Medici Fountain: Don’t miss this beautiful, romantic fountain nestled within the gardens, perfect for a peaceful moment or a photo opportunity.
• Relax and People-Watch: The Luxembourg Gardens are a favorite spot for both Parisians and visitors alike. Grab one of those classic Parisian green chairs around the Grand Basin and enjoy watching children sail their miniature boats, or simply take in the atmosphere.
• Playgrounds and Tennis Courts: For families traveling with children, the gardens offer a playground and even tennis courts for a bit of recreation during your visit.
• Art and Statues: Stroll through the gardens and take in the many statues and sculptures scattered throughout, celebrating everything from historical figures to mythological creatures.

Culture and History

The 6th arrondissement is rich in history and culture, making it an ideal place to explore Parisian heritage.

• Musée du Luxembourg: Located within the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, this museum often hosts rotating art exhibitions, with a focus on French and European artists.
• Église Saint-Sulpice: This stunning church, made famous by The Da Vinci Code, is well worth a visit. Its grand interior and beautiful Delacroix murals make it a true gem of the 6th arrondissement.
• Literary History: The 6th was once home to many of Paris’s greatest writers, artists and intellectuals. You can feel their presence while wandering through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, stopping by bookstores like La Hune or browsing at Librairie Couleur du Temps on Rue Dauphine.
• Musée national Eugène-Delacroix: Located in a peaceful corner of the 6th, this museum is dedicated to the works of the great Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix. It’s a lovely, intimate space to explore his art and legacy.
• Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés: One of the oldest churches in Paris, this historic gem has been a cultural and religious landmark for centuries. Its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and serene ambiance make it a must-see in the area.

Where to Stay 

Staying in the 6th arrondissement means you’ll be surrounded by everything that makes Paris special. At Paris Perfect, we offer a curated selection of stunning vacation rentals in the area, each providing a unique and comfortable place to call home during your stay.

• Maranges: Located on the historic Rue du Dragon, the Maranges is a stylish one-bedroom apartment perfect for a romantic getaway. Its charming décor and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat, while still being steps from the best shopping streets and landmarks of the 6th.
• Forez: Tucked away in a lovely spot in the 6th, Forez is a cozy and charming one-bedroom apartment, ideal for couples looking for a romantic stay. With its prime location, you’re just minutes away from the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and all the sights of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• Banyuls: The Banyuls apartment is a spacious one-bedroom with plush furnishings. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the lively streets of the 6th.
• La Place Dauphine Apartments: Just a short walk from the 6th, our Place Dauphine apartments on Île de la Cité provide an equally charming stay in one of Paris’s most secret squares. From here, you can easily stroll to the 6th for shopping, dining and sightseeing, while enjoying the quiet charm of Place Dauphine.

Staying in the 6th arrondissement means immersing yourself in the best of Parisian life. From world-class shopping and dining to cultural landmarks and charming streets, it’s a neighborhood that offers everything you could want for a perfect Parisian getaway. Book your stay with Paris Perfect and you’ll be surrounded by the history, beauty and vibrancy that makes Paris so magical!

Posted on Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 12:28 pm in Favorite Paris Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.