Left Bank (Rive Gauche)

The Basics

From world-famous monuments to world-renowned universities, the Left Bank encompasses a variety of neighborhoods, communities, and Parisian attractions. Among its highlights are the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, the Jardin du Luxembourg, and the Catacombs of Paris, though that represents just a fraction of what the area offers. Broadly, the Left Bank is renowned for its intellectual and cultural aplomb. The Sorbonne and Shakespeare & Co are two legendary institutions in the vibrant Latin Quarter, and the area was once popular with writers and artists ranging from Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso to Jean-Paul Sartre.

Depending on your interests, there are dozens of ways to discover the Left Bank and its sights. Hop-on hop-off busses, Segways, and bike tours all offer overviews of the area, while private driving tours let you customize your itinerary. Alternatively, soak up the Rive Gauche’s je ne sais quoi ambience on a walking tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• While the Left Bank contains only six arrondissements (compared to the Right Bank’s 14), its status as a cultural heavyweight makes it just as important and diverse.

• If you haven’t pre-booked Eiffel Tower entry, venture instead to the Tour Montparnasse, which offers impeccable views of the Left Bank and beyond.

• Visit the iconic Café de Flore to people watch—and to see the spot where Pablo Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir spent their time.

How to Get There

The Rive Gauche is home to several major stations (including the Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare Montparnasse), which are served by the TGV, RER, and numerous Métro and train lines. Dozens of other Métro stations and bus lines traverse the area. Paris is also a city that rewards walkers and cyclists, and the Left Bank is no exception.

When to Get There

Paris is picturesque in all seasons, and there’s never a bad time to visit the Left Bank (although, like the rest of the French capital, it’s quietest in August). During the warmer months, linger in the Jardin du Luxembourg, stroll the Jardin des Plantes, or enjoy Eiffel Tower views from the Champ de Mars. When the thermostat drops, explore museums like the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de Cluny, or the Musée de l’Armée at Invalides.

Famous Left Bank Eateries

It isn’t a Left Bank tour without a bite (or several) to eat. Venture to the iconic Poîlane bakery for fresh bread; browse the lively street market on the Rue Mouffetard; sample macarons at Pierre Hermé; and go to a classic restaurant, like La Closerie des Lilas, for dinner.

Ways to explore

Depending on your interests, there are dozens of ways to discover the Left Bank and its sights. Hop-on hop-off buses, Segways, and bike tours all offer overviews of the area, while private driving tours let you customize your itinerary. Alternatively, soak up the Rive Gauche’s je ne sais quoi on a walking tour.

Big-ticket attractions on the Left Bank include the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg), and the Paris Catacombs (Catacombes de Paris). To discover the intellectual side that drew Picasso and Sartre, head to the vibrant Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin), home of the Sorbonne, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, and more.

Accessibility

Parisian sidewalks are wheelchair-friendly, and many attractions are accessible, but it can be hard to get around the city using public transportation.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.

What to wear

To blend in, think timeless classics and simple color palettes.

Not allowed

For all the clichéd images of smoke-filled cafés and smoky-voiced chanteuses, there are fewer and fewer places in Paris where you can light up. Even some outdoor spaces are smoke-free.

Address

The Rive Gauche sprawls along the south side of the River Seine, opposite its larger counterpart, the Rive Droite. It’s well-connected by public transport.

Driving

Paris’ traffic-free zone is exclusively on the Right Bank, but this is not a car-friendly city, and driving is not for the fainthearted. Make like a local and walk, cycle, or take public transportation.

Public transportation

While international trains arrive on the Right Bank, the Left Bank has several major stations, including the Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare Montparnasse. It also offers a raft of metro and RER train lines, as well as bus lines, cycle routes, and more.

Best times to visit

Sightseers will enjoy the Left Bank by day, while nightlife lovers can get their thrills after dark. If you’re planning to eat, be aware that many restaurants open only for lunch and dinner service.

Best days to visit

Nightlife is liveliest Thursday through Saturday, while many Paris attractions close on either Monday or Tuesday.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to visit the Left Bank, but most Parisians, including many restaurateurs, abandon the city in August.

Special events

Don’t miss July 14—known as Bastille Day—when fireworks burst from the Eiffel Tower to celebrate France’s national day.