6th Arrondissement

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.

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.

Visiting the Luxembourg Gardens

No visit to the 6th arrondissement is complete without a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens. This lovely city oasis provides plenty of open space and playgrounds, making it a great place to spend the afternoon if you’re traveling with children. You can wander the tree-lined paths and admire the flowers, see the famous Medici Fountain, visit Luxembourg Palace, or just enjoy a leisurely picnic on the gardens’ grounds.

Ways to explore

Set aside anywhere from a few hours to a full day for exploring the 6th arrondissement. Bring a book or camera to Luxembourg Gardens, or if traveling with children, rent a boat to sail on the pond. Don’t miss either Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Saint-Sulpice Church, both free to enter. Near Saint-Germain-des-Prés is Les Deux Magots café, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre. If you’re short on time, consider taking a walking, biking, or even tuk-tuk tour that will cover neighborhood highlights. Or opt for a tasting or chocolate-making tour; the 6th arrondissement is filled with bistros.

Accessibility

Much of the 6th arrondissement is accessible to wheelchairs, although the cobbled streets may be challenging.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Umbrella, camera, guidebook

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, a classic Parisian trench, sunglasses. There’s no dress code in Parisian churches, but modest clothing is recommended.

Not allowed

Walking on the grass in Jardin du Luxembourg, picking flowers

Amenities

Cafés and restaurants

Address

The 6th arrondissement is part of the Left Bank of Paris, located south of the Seine River. There are plenty of ways to reach the neighborhood.

Driving

While it’s possible to reach the 6th arrondissement by car, the far easier option is to take public transportation and walk. Driving in Paris can be hectic, and narrow, 1-way streets make navigation even trickier. Consider taking a rideshare or taxi instead.

Public transportation

The nearest metro stations are Saint-Sulpice or Saint-Germain-des-Près on Line 4, Mabillon or Odéon on Line 10, or Rennes or Notre-Dame-des-Champs on Line 12. Bus lines 63, 70, 84, 87, and 96 all stop near Saint-Sulpice.

Best times to visit

The early morning is the most atmospheric, especially if you plan on taking photos. Stick around for lunch at a bistro.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are often the quietest. Guided tours of Saint-Sulpice Church are offered on Sunday afternoons.

Best months to visit

Paris shines in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, or early summer; avoid August, when Parisians take their annual vacation and many businesses close.

Special events

During Fête de la Musique, held annually on June 21, the 6th arrondissement hosts concerts and live music events. There’s also the Paris Print Fair, dedicated to all things printmaking, which happens in the 6th arrondissement in early spring.