Rich in cultural influence with scenic views, famous museums, art galleries, and yummiest serving restaurants, the 6th Arrondissement, situated on the left side of River Seine, serves as a magnet to tourists and Parisians.
Paris’s 6th Arrondissement, also known as Luxembourg, is the hub of cultural, educational institutes, and famous buildings. Read till the end to know about its geography, history, the best place to stay, eat, visit, and the famous monuments and streets.
geographical location of the 6th Arrondissement of Paris
Le sixième is located on the left bank of River Seine, which also links it to the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Also, it lies on the left side of Rive Gauche. It is one of the largest arrondissements in Paris, with an area of 2.154 kilometers square.
Historical Background of 6th Arrondissement of Paris
VIe Arrondissement is historically rich because of the name of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres attached to it. It is also called the hub of religious institutions because of the Catholic influence over it. Founded in the 6th century, Queen Marie de Medicis named this estate Luxembourg Palace, surrounded by an exquisite garden. Thus, the name Luxembourg for the 6th Arrondissement came in.
The Le sixième had been a hub of many social movements such as literary, feminism, existentialism, and surrealism, thereby granting it a significant status.
Must-to-do things in the 6th Arrondissement
Once you have decided to visit VIe arrondissement, the following top things are must do:
Start your morning at Les Deux Magots
Are you wondering about the best places to have breakfast in Paris? Les Deux Magots is the best spot to start your morning with. First established in 1812, Les Deux is well known for its literary corner and tastiest food.
However, the price range does not suit all but is worth dining in. Go to Street 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
Stop for a drink at Café De Flore
If you are looking for a meeting place to have a chill environment and the significant personalities of the town, Café de Flore is the place. Enjoy coffee or wine, whatever you like, at one of the traditional cafés in the 6th Arrondissement. Head towards Boulevard Saint-Germain to have the best of town.
Feast at Café Procope
While passing through the famous streets of the 6th arrondissement, you will find the oldest meeting place of intellectuals, Café Procope. Stop at the starter of the French coffee culture and dine in. Also, it is the glory of Paris’s 6th arrondissement with its exclusive French cuisine.
Finally, it is situated at Rue de l’Ancienne Comedie.
Buy from the Oldest Department Store
You visit Paris and do not shop at the oldest department store in le sixième? That’s impossible. Founded in 1838, it was constructed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower. Moreover, it is next to the city’s most famous food spots and décor at 24 Rue de Sevres.
Best Hotels to stay in 6th Arrondissement
The top preferences for staying in Le sixième are as follows:
Voyage of the Beagle
If you are looking for an affordable and tiny but comfortable place to live, this hotel is the best option. It is more like a small cottage with all the facilities available. The best part is that it is two minutes away from the city’s center. It is located at Rue des Canettes.
The Grey Stripe
The two-bedroom open-sky place offers the prettiest view of nature from the room’s ceiling. Not just that, the glass covering of windows makes it possible for light to pour in. You will find it on Rue De Parme in Luxembourg.
The Lodge
This place is best for a trip with families as it offers 2-bedrooms and 2-bathrooms. Moreover, the site is more like a gorgeous tiny apartment with a full score of cleanliness. Book one for you at Rue Théroigne de Méricourt.
Must-see sights in the 6th Arrondissement Paris
Paris’s 6th Arrondissement contains a list of places of interest that you must visit. Following mentioned are a few interesting sights in VIe Arrondissement:
Saint Germain Des Pres
Saint Germain is one of the oldest Churches in Paris that adds to the historical value of Luxembourg. It is enriched with ancient and antique writings and history back from the 540s. Moreover, the place resembles Notre Dame Cathedral as well.
Jardin Du Luxembourg
Jardin Du Luxembourg is the most beautiful park you will find in Saint-Germaine. A 55-acre park with greenery, 106 statues, and alluring fountains adds to the beauty of the park. In addition to that, it is the favorite place of Parisians to sit and relax in the beauty of nature.
Fountaine Saint Michel
Rebuilt with a unique purpose back in the 19th century, the famous fountain is situated at the passageway of Saint-Michel and Place Saint-Michel. However, it was built to hide the end of the wall, yet it made its name the most exciting site to visit in Luxembourg.
Aint Sulpice
Another addition to the most famous churches in Paris is Aint Sulpice. It is one of the largest churches after Notre Dame, situated on a beautiful square surrounded by an array of fountains. Moreover, the murals painted by Delacroix and the legends of hidden meaning make this place worth visiting.
Bridges to visit in the 6th Arrondissement
Situated at the mouth of Rive Gauche, Saint-Germaine has two most famous bridges with the river flowing beneath:
Pont Saint-Michel
It was first constructed back in 1378 but was rebuilt in 1857. The bridge is famous for the symbol ‘N’ that it carries, associated with Napoleon III. Pont Saint joins Ile de la Cite to Place Saint-Michel.
Pont Des Arts
The nine-meter-long bridge over the Seine River is another sight of interest. Despite that, it is a lively bridge full of musicians and artists, providing the most alluring view of the Eiffel Tower.
Best Streets in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement
Just like other arrondissements of Paris, Luxembourg is also blessed with a few major streets adding to its beauty:
Cour Du Commerce St. Andre
Cour Du is one of the famous streets which look more like a hidden passage between Saint-Germain and Saint-Andre Des Arts. The street is full of the best cafes such as Procope, shopping malls, and galleries. It demands a must-visit.
Rue De Buci
The most glittery and entertaining street in VIe arrondissement is Rue De Buci. Moreover, it extends towards Boulevard Saint-Germain and provides countless dining and shopping options. It also has the famous café on the street Café de Buci serving people its signature dishes.
Top Restaurants in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement
Try the following top restaurants whenever on a visit to Saint-Germain:
Le Bistrot d’Henri
One of the charming bistrot located on the streets of Le sixième is the must restaurant to try. With the delicious duck, lamb, and seafood, it also provides the best symphony in the town. Stop at 16 Rue Princesse to have the best dinner.
Allard
Who does not like gift vouchers with the yummiest food? Allard offers a variety of traditional French cuisine and vouchers that allures people to come in again. Besides, it is placed at 41 Rue Saint-Andre des Arts.
Before you plan to visit Paris’s 6th Arrondissement, add all the places mentioned above to your to-do list. Le sixième is the blend of the most exciting places, from restaurants to shopping malls and historical structures.
Lock all these places and have fun at Paname.