The 6e arrondissement is classic central Paris at its most elegant. The gem of the left bank, the 6e is a mix of literary history, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Home to the Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice, this quartier is the Paris of daydreams.
Our advice will always be this: Let yourself wander. This is a neighborhood best experienced at a relaxed pace, with detours through bookstores, long pauses in the sun, and stops in various galleries.
We’re going to share with you some of our top places to visit in the 6e, but if you want all of our recommendations, plus a full day itinerary of the left bank (A Day in the Latin Quarter) be sure to grab our Guide+!
What to See
Église Saint-Sulpice
You might recognize it from The Da Vinci Code, but this Left Bank landmark deserves more than a pop culture nod. It’s one of the largest churches in Paris and feels like a well-kept secret. The Delacroix frescoes alone are worth the visit, and if you're here during mass, the organ music will lure you in and ask you to stay awhile.
The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore
Right across from Luxembourg Gardens sits this beloved English-language bookstore. It’s cozy, packed with personality, and a go-to for thoughtful reads (especially if you forgot to pack a novel for the park). The staff offers excellent recommendations; tell them what you love, and they’ll hand you something perfect. Of course we’d recommend asking after our friend Lindsey Tramuta’s books if you’d like a deeper dive on Paris, The New Paris, and The New Parisienne are fantastic (Jay’s given about a dozen away as gifts at this point). Take it across the street to the Luxembourg Gardens for a relaxing read in the shade.
Where to Eat and Drink
Coffee
Looking for a great cup? The 6e doesn’t disappoint. Here are two of our go-to’s for caffeine and character.
Café Nuances 6
Sleek and modern, Café Nuances 6 is great for a flat white while you wander. A hole in the wall serving up great coffee; just be warned this is not a “come and hang out place.” And there is no toilet, though you can find public toilets in the northwest corner of the Luxembourg Gardens.
Café du Clown
Café du Clown is one of those places serving up fantastic coffee without sacrificing your classic Parisian café vibes (because we know you’re not always in the mood for a coffee shop right out of LA!). You’ll find locals chatting over espressos, maybe a student sketching in a corner. Have a coffee, have a sit, have a break and then wander through the covered market. We love it here (and don’t worry, despite the name, there aren’t any clowns around).
Food
Treize au Jardin
Southern comfort meets Parisian charm. Think biscuits and gravy and a killer brunch cocktail. The staff is bilingual and incredibly friendly, which makes it a perfect stop for visitors. The terrace overlooks Luxembourg Gardens, making it one of the best people-watching spots in the city.
L’Avant Comptoir du Marché
We truly cannot stop recommending this place! No reservations, come when you’re hungry and eat a lot or a little, it doesn’t matter. This small plate bar is tucked beside the Marché Saint-Germain and offers creative bites you can eat while standing at the bar if you don’t manage to snag one of the tables (next to a flat, our giant slab of butter). You’ll get some amazing, classically french bites, but in a casual-yet-elevated atmosphere. Don’t mind the flying pigs. It’s hard to explain - just check it out.
Best Places to Hang Out
Jardin du Luxembourg
An obvious choice that you can’t miss. Sprawling, poetic, and picture-perfect, Luxembourg Gardens are the spot to lie out, picnic, or pause, whether solo or en famille. Grab one of the green chairs, watch the toy sailboats, or find the Medici Fountain and get lost in that book you bought at Red Wheelbarrow. There’s also a puppet theater, pony rides, and plenty of benches in the shade. Parisian parks are the best.
This garden is also the perfect place for a photoshoot. We should know, Jay had his photos taken here with My Paris Portraits just a couple of years ago. Janelle and her team are our go-to for amazing portraits in Paris. If you need family portraits, engagement shots, or anything in-between, be sure to hit them up and let them know we sent you!
Rue de Seine
If you’ve got time for a slow wander, make it here. Lined with art galleries, antique shops, and tucked-away boutiques, Rue de Seine is an incredibly unique street. Even if you’re just browsing, you’ll love popping into the galleries and checking out some local art or antiques. Talk about Parisian charm!
The 6e has a quiet kind of magic that sticks with you. Jay often says he could see himself retiring here (which we’re 99% is a compliment). Come back tomorrow for the next arrondissement or, if you can’t wait, grab our Guide+!
Why our Guide? You’ll get lifetime access to hundreds of Paris in My Pocket recommendations, 3 full-day itineraries, and exclusive audio walking tours thanks to our partnership with Le Walk.
Check back here tomorrow for the 7e!