The 6th arrondissement of Paris
By: Life In Paris
Tags: Hotel Paris, Paris 6, City Of Lights, Paris Saint Germain, Paris

Most visitors to Paris want to experience a little bit of everything during their stay in the City of Light: a touch of bohemian life, the best Parisian cafes, art galleries, museums, parks, and much more. You’re in luck because the 6th arrondissement of Paris happens to offer all of this! It’s the essence of Parisian life: home to famous cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, the 6th arrondissement is also part of the lively Latin Quarter. It is also the intellectual center of the city with its world-renowned universities and the seat of the Senate in the magnificent Luxembourg Palace, right next to the public park of the Luxembourg Gardens. The 6th arrondissement is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Paris. In this detailed article, we will be regrouping some of the amazing locations a tourist can visit in the 6th arrondissement! Plus hotel suggestions for a comfortable stay.

Welcome to the 6th arrondissement of Paris

The 6th arrondissement of Paris includes some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods: the Latin Quarter in the northeastern part of the arrondissement, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood around the Saint-Germain-des-Prés abbey, the Odeon neighborhood around the Odeon theater, the Notre-Dame-des-Champs neighborhood around the metro station of the same name, and the Luxembourg neighborhood around the Luxembourg Gardens. This district is roughly delimited by the Seine to the north, by the boulevard Saint-Michel to the east, by the boulevard de Montparnasse to the south, and by the rue de Sèvres and the rue des Saint Pères to the west. The district is easily accessible by metro, as lines 4, 10, 12, and line B of the RER pass through it.

This district has a very rich history. It is home to the oldest surviving church in Paris and became a meeting point for artists and writers in the 20th century. Famous cafés in the neighborhood counted writers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, and Simone de Beauvoir among their regular customers. With institutions such as the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Française, it’s not hard to see why the 6th arrondissement is still considered the intellectual center. The neighborhood has a lot to offer in terms of art and culture, but don’t forget to enjoy the incredible and vibrant atmosphere of this lively Parisian neighborhood!

Shopping in the 6th arrondissement of Paris

The 6th arrondissement may be famous for its cafes, but when it comes to shopping, you’ll be surprised! There are many shopping streets in the area, offering everything from department stores to small boutiques selling the latest fashion trends. Highlights include Boulevard Saint Germain, Rue de Rennes, Boulevard de Montparnasse, Rue de Buci, Place Saint Michel and Cour du Commerce Saint André. However, what makes this neighborhood truly unique are the bookstores and small specialty stores.

On the bustling Place Saint-Michel, you will find a wonderful bookstore called Gilbert Jeune. Not only does it offer a great collection of books and office supplies, but it also offers great maps of Paris at great prices! Don’t forget to check out the Fontaine de Saint-Michel: a large and beautiful fountain that features statues created by nine different sculptors. Place Saint-Michel is a great starting point for your Parisian adventure.

There’s a world-renowned bookstore two blocks east of there that isn’t technically part of the 6th arrondissement, but it’s so impressive that we felt compelled to include it here: Shakespeare and Co. on Rue de Bûcherie. This amazing bookstore sells books exclusively in English and even allows young writers to stay in the upper part of the store. Browse the shelves from floor to ceiling to find a unique souvenir, as the staff stamps every book you buy so you never forget where it came from.

Chocolate lovers should definitely check out Patrick Roger’s on Boulevard Saint Germain. Here, chocolate is treated as an art. The chocolates and truffles are exquisite and can also be a wonderful gift.

City-Pharma, on rue du Four, is the place to go for skincare and beauty products. This amazing pharmacy has some great deals, but it’s not the best-kept secret in Paris, so be sure to go early to avoid the lines!

Finally, a true Parisian neighborhood is not a Parisian neighborhood without fresh produce markets. The 6th arrondissement has two great markets: the small covered market Marché Couvert Saint Germain and the impressive open-air organic market Marché Raspail.

Cafés, restaurants, and bars in the 6th arrondissement

As mentioned above, the 6th arrondissement is known for its cafes, bars, and restaurants. The following is just a small selection of all the charming establishments this area of Paris has to offer.

Cafés

Les Deux Magots, on Boulevard Saint-Germain, was a café frequented by the Parisian literary elite of the 20th century, like Sartre and Hemingway. Today, you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate on the terrace. The prices may be a bit higher than average, but the history of the café is worth it!

Next door, Café de Flore has also seen many literary geniuses pass through. As the name suggests, the café is beautifully decorated with plants and flowers. So try to get a seat on the terrace to soak it all in!

Le Procope, on Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, is reputed to be the oldest café in Paris. As such, it has been visited by the likes of Rousseau, Voltaire, Robespierre, and Benjamin Franklin — come for the history and stay for the food!

Restaurants

Le Timbre, on Rue Sainte Beuve, is an amazing old French-style restaurant with a great atmosphere — be sure to make a reservation, as the place fills up fast!

If you’re looking for a truly romantic restaurant in Paris, you can’t go wrong with Relais Louis XIII on rue des Grands Augustins — the cozy interior and excellent French cuisine will make for an unforgettable evening!

For something a little more affordable, but still delicious, head to Brasserie Lipp on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Enjoy the juicy and delicious food and, if you’re sitting by the window, have fun people-watching!

Little Breizh, on rue Grégoire de Tours, is perhaps one of the best creperies in Paris. Their savory crepes make for an amazing and delicious meal but go early as the line can be quite long.

Good restaurants in the neighborhood include La Cigale Recamier, Les Bouquinistes, Santa Lucia, Le Café des Arts, and La Palette.

Bars

Chez Georges is one of the many impressive bars you will find along Rue des Canettes. This cave-like wine bar invites popular DJs, but it can get very crowded at night.

The Moose on Rue des Quatre Vents is a cool sports bar with an international clientele. Try one of their delicious cocktails or a Canadian beer.

L’Avant Comptoir, on Carrefour de l’Odéon, is a French-style tapas bar that combines great wine and good food. The bar is quite small, and be aware that it is standing room only.

What to see and do in the 6th arrondissement

The 6th arrondissement has no shortage of monuments: beautiful historical buildings and churches are everywhere. The pride of the district is, of course, the Palais du Luxembourg, where the French Senate sits.

The abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest church in Paris and has several beautiful frescos. The church of Saint-Sulpice is the second largest church in the city, after Notre Dame, and was featured in the book Da Vinci Code. Other monuments in the neighborhood include the Institut de France, the Hôtel des Monnaies, the Saint Michel fountain, and the Cordeliers monastery.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the most famous park in the neighborhood and the second-largest public park in the city. The park has a beautiful pond where children can float their boats and many chairs where adults can relax and sunbathe. Vert Galant Square Park and Seminary Alley Walk are two other nice parks in the neighborhood. There is also another promenade that runs along the Seine River with a beautiful view of the Ile de la Cité. Don’t forget to visit the two famous bridges, the Pont des Arts and the Pont Neuf. On the Pont des Arts, you will find the famous love locks.

Stay in a hotel in the 6th arrondissement

Convinced that this is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris, consider staying in a hotel in the Saint-Germain district when visiting the city! You’ll be close to many of Paris’ landmarks and you can be sure there will always be something to see or do. You’ll feel right at home in the neighborhood, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the local cafes at your leisure.

Each hotel in the 6th arrondissement has a unique character of its own, some have fancy salons, many have cozy fireplaces, wood designs, but one that stands out so beautifully in this area is the Best Western Hôtel Aramis Saint-Germain.

DISCOVER PARIS FROM A HOTEL NEAR MONTPARNASSE AND SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

Between Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Best Western Hôtel Aramis Saint-Germain is based in an exceptional and easy-to-find location in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, an area with main demand. It is less than 15 minutes walk from the Luxembourg Gardens, the Odeon, and Saint-Michel. The five metro lines that serve the three stations, less than 10 minutes away, allow you to reach any place in Paris quickly. The combination of the various public transportation options puts it at 1 hour from Charles-de-Gaulle airport or 40 minutes from Orly. Guests who drive will benefit from the Indigo Rennes Montparnasse parking lot, 5 minutes from the hotel, and will enjoy a preferential rate.

The Best Western Hôtel Aramis Saint-Germain (Paris 6) and its multilingual staff welcome an increasingly loyal French and international clientele. Here, you will feel at home. Quality services and small attention contribute to the well-being of everyone. The hotel, regularly embellished, brings a particular care to the decoration.

The Best Western Aramis Saint-Germain is a traditional hotel. The designs and themes were thoughtfully designed. This 100% non-smoking hotel offers a café, a meeting space for up to 30 people where you can organize your meetings or perhaps an event. All this plus a laundry service.

All rooms’ objects, from floors to furniture pieces to every wall, were personalized to display a historical concept design with a modern twist, giving the total an original and refined yet creative look. Every room accommodation is constantly replenished every day, thus creating a warm house aura setting the right equilibrium between comfort and luxury.

HOW TO GET TO THE HOTEL?

Leave the Paris ring road at the Porte d’Orléans and follow the directions to Montparnasse. After turning into rue de Rennes towards Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the hotel will appear on your left.

THE ROOMS

For its 42 rooms, this 3-star hotel near Saint-Germain-des-Prés has bet on the well-being of its guests. Each room has free high-speed Internet access, a minibar, a television set with all the available channels, a safe, a courtesy tray, air conditioning, and a hairdryer. They are available in three categories. The Standard room offers quality bedding. The Comfort room, more spacious, will allow you to choose between a double bed or two twin beds. Finally, the Superior room is highlighted by the elegance of its Parisian decoration (almost the size of a living room).

BREAKFAST AND CATERING

How do you like your eggs? fried, boiled, poached, or scrambled?

Best western Hôtel Aramis Saint-Germain does not offer a buffet but you can choose between a wide range of breakfast choices. A continental breakfast can be served in your room. In the dining room, you can choose between the express breakfast or the energy formula. For the former, you will be offered freshly squeezed fruit juice( orange, apple..), a newly prepared hot drink (milk, coffee…), and a pastry. For the second, a fruit salad, yogurt, eggs, cereals, toast, and cheese are added. The hotel with seminar rooms has room service from 5:00 pm to midnight, giving you the opportunity to dine in your room.

THE STAFF

The members of the Best Western Aramis Saint Germain hotel team are permanently at your disposal to meet all your expectations. By contacting the concierge, you can benefit from restaurant reservations, excursions, luggage storage, or the business corner.

OPTIMIZE YOUR SEMINARS

This hotel near Montparnasse, which is the business district in Paris, has two air-conditioned and fully equipped seminar rooms. Located in the basement, they are nevertheless perfectly bright, the luminosity being reinforced by their stone walls and vaulted ceiling. The two lounges Rennes and Vaugirard can accommodate up to 15 people. The wine bar, open from 11 am to 1 am, will be the occasion to relax with your colleagues after a day of work.

WHAT TO DO AROUND THE HOTEL?

Rue de Rennes is one of the most important streets on the left bank of Paris. It runs from Montparnasse to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, two nerve centers of the capital. The hotel’s location, less than 10 minutes walk from the Luxembourg Gardens, the Latin Quarter, Montparnasse, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, makes it the ideal starting point for discovering all aspects of Paris: from culture to heritage, from business to romance.

Culturally, the 6th arrondissement is best known for its theaters. The Odéon national theater is the most famous in the district, but the Vieux Colombier theater and the Lucernaire theater are also excellent. The UGC Odéon and the MK2 Odéon are two well-known cinemas in the area. Finally, the Musée du Luxembourg is a nice museum with various exhibitions, and the Musée Delacroix contains a large collection of Delacroix paintings.

SECURITY AND HEALTH MEASURES

An Enhanced cleanliness measures program was established in all hotels to ensure the wellness of the visitors. Best Western Hôtel Aramis Saint-Germain has set ground rules to closely monitor safety measures, such as:

A disinfectant is used to clean the property.

Highly touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.

Linens and towels are washed at 60°C/140°F or higher.

Cleaning and disinfecting practices are in accordance with We Care Clean (Best Western) standards.

Follow Safe Travels (WTTC — Global) and Intertek Cristal (Independent Expert — Global) cleaning and disinfection practices.

Social distancing

Touchless check-in and check-out

Protective shields are in place in key contact areas.

Rooms vacant for 48 hours between stays.

Social distancing measures in place

Security measures

Personal protective equipment is worn by staff

Temperature checks by staff

Masks available

Hand sanitizer provided

Individually wrapped food is available for breakfast.

VISITORS’ OPINIONS

“Very good!”

Small room but very comfortable, the bed was like a cloud, clean hotel, perfect location near the Montparnasse Station, very quiet room, smiling and welcoming staff, nothing to complain about, I recommend!

“Ideal geographical location, exceptional team”

The hotel is ideally located, 1 step from a metro station. The welcome is excellent and this, from the whole staff. The room is comfortable, not very noisy, functional with a telephone tablet, minibar…

“Pleasant family stay”

We found the staff to be available and friendly.

The hotel is well located, near a metro station and bus stop.

The rooms are comfortable and clean but a little smaller than we expected. Nice family stay.

“ROOM FOR ONE EVENING FOR BUSINESS TRIP”

Spacious room, clean. Same thing for the bathroom. The breakfast was varied, the staff pleasant. Only one negative point, I found that it was a little cold in the bathroom

“This hotel deserves a 4th star!”

I have stayed at the Hotel Aramis several times and I am always very satisfied. The staff is very nice, the hotel is well renovated, everything is very clean and the rooms are very well soundproofed. The breakfasts are copious and everything is fresh. I add that the price is quite correct. This hotel is my first choice when I go to Paris!I have stayed at the Hotel Aramis several times and I am always very satisfied. The staff is very nice, the hotel is well renovated, everything is very clean and the rooms are very well soundproofed. The breakfasts are copious and everything is fresh. I add that the price is quite correct. This hotel is my first choice when I go to Paris!

“Perfect!”

Everything is perfect: the room is nice and clean, the breakfast is fresh and varied (fresh fruit salad, pastries, pancakes…)! Moreover, the staff is very friendly and it was a pleasure to stay in this hotel! Very good location in the heart of a quiet and nice area

The world is big and full of magical places, but Paris has a natural charm and an inviting environment like no other, and even more so the 6th arrondissement of Paris. You can pretty much do anything in Paris! make new friends, shop in a fancy salon, explore the artwork, go on a train trip, and do all sorts of different attractions.

Start an extraordinary diverse voyage. And whether you’re looking for an intimate retreat, celebrating a special occasion, or simply sightseeing, the Best Western Aramis Saint Germain hotel awaits you in the heart of Paris.

Remember, If you have visited this hotel and left happily satisfied, consider publishing your opinion and share it on a travel website. And if you haven’t already, pay a visit!

Lastly, let’s conclude this article with a very detailed and warm note from a recent visitor:

Five Star Service in a Four Star Hotel