6th Arrondissement
Once the stomping grounds of artists, poets, and intellectuals, the 6th arrondissement has many art galleries, chic shops, famed cafés, and charming patisseries that reflect the district’s bohemian past. Also home to the Luxembourg Gardens, the Latin Quarter, and St-Germain-des-Prés, the area is a must for first-time Paris visitors.
The basics
One of the best walking neighborhoods in Paris, the 6th arrondissement is best explored on foot. Take a sightseeing tour to learn about such former district residents as Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso. Don’t miss a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, and opt for a garden tour if you want to learn more about the gardens' history and landscape.
Things to know before you go
*The 6th arrondissement is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris and a great place to begin your visit. *Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the streets of St-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter are cobbled and uneven in spots. *The streets of the 6th arrondissement get very busy in the summer months, so start your exploration early in the morning to avoid crowds.
How to get there
The Paris Metro is by far the easiest and most economical way to navigate the city. The 6th arrondissement is easily reached by metro from nearly anywhere in town, and the most convenient stops are Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Odéon, and Montparnasse-Bienvenüe. Buses also run along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, and plenty of taxis and ride-hailing services are available.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Like much of Paris, the 6th arrondissement is worth visiting any time of year. If you visit during the summer months, venture out early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Visiting in spring, when the tulips are blooming in the Luxembourg Gardens and the cherry blossoms are out in full force, is especially lovely.
- Musée du Luxembourg
- Mundolingua Museum of Languages (Mundolingua Musée des Langues)
- Palais du Luxembourg
- Pierre Hermé Pâtisserie
- Odéon-Théatre de l'Europe
- Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)
- Gérard Mulot Pâtisserie
- Saint Germain des Prés
- Café de Flore
- Musée National Eugène Delacroix (Musee Delacroix)
- Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)
- Sorbonne
- Cluny Museum (Musée de Cluny)
- Left Bank (Rive Gauche)
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal