6TH ARRONDISSEMENT OF PARIS

While Paris is definitely a walkable city, it is quite large, and sometimes the museums or monuments you want to visit are very far from each other. If you would like to stay in one place perhaps for the day, the 6th arrondissement has a lot to offer! This area is located on the left bank of the Seine and is probably my favorite neighborhood. Here are some of my go-to restaurants, shops, and museums that belong to this charming, bustling arrondissement!

Le Choupinet

Le Choupinet is a modern brasserie in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, attracting all walks of life (including some adorable large teddy bears!) The restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, French and English translations of their menu, and long hours open every day of the week. We particularly love the rotisserie chicken for two!

didon

Didon is a slightly elevated French restaurant (compared to Le Choupinet) that blends cozy and chic. I particularly appreciate the menu items that are geared towards vegetarians and vegans. The staff is extremely friendly, and waiters are happy to provide you with an allergen menu or with any suggestions.   

Jun

Though it may seem hard to picture getting sick of bœuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and steak tartare, you might need to give your stomach a break from all the French food! Jun is a Japanese fusion restaurant that I absolutely adore (and will not be revealing how many times I have found myself back there)! The ambiance is relaxed yet elevated, with comfy pillows to lean back on as you take in the view: beautiful Japanese lanterns line one wall as a ceiling of pink cherry blossoms catches your eye. I have been to Jun both during lunch and dinner, and every time has been wonderful!

Ladurée

While there are many Ladurée locations (in Paris and around the world) I could not keep it off this list! Ladurée has been an institution since 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée opened his bakery. Then in 1930, a family member of Louis, Pierre Desfontaines, created what we now know as the iconic macaron, by placing ganache between two macaron shells. Maison Ladurée offers classic flavors such as framboise (raspberry), citron (lemon), chocolat (chocolate), dairy free options, and even a couple of vegan options.

Pierre Hermé

Now if you want macarons with unique flavors, from someone who comes from four generations of Alsatian baking and pastry tradition, head to Pierre Hermé. Starting his career at only 14, Pierre founded his own business in 1996, and continues to revolutionize French pastry. For a time before he broke out on his own, he even worked at Ladurée! And while he has classic flavors like pistachio and vanilla, he also has interesting flavor profiles like yuzu and caramel with crunchy black sesame, cherry with lemon and tonka bean. (Note that while there are several Pierre Hermé locations in Paris, the 6th arrondissement location was my first discovery, so it is on this list!)

Maison Pariès

Maison Pariès originated in the Basque region, but there is only one location in Paris! This family run business has a hand in chocolates, confectionary, and basque cakes, but what I love Maison Pariès for the most are their mouchous. They are often confused for Parisian macarons, and I can see why. They look like macaron shells, except they are soft, tender, and have a really subtle flavor. In Basque, Mouchou means, “kiss,” and I assure you – they never leave my lips!! They are dairy free, and come in chocolate, hazelnut, coffee, plain (almond), and pistachio. I myself adore the plain flavor, and have bought several boxes!

Marin Montagut

Marin Montagut is an illustrator and French designer. His universe is one of joy and poetry, and one that celebrates all things Paris (this can be seen in his drawings of Luxembourg garden chairs and Parisian street signs). His boutique is really cute and quirky, selling items like porcelain sculptures and kitchenware, glasses, home décor, and paper goods. I never leave empty handed!

Alix D Reynis

Alix Depondt-Reynis is another wonderful artist who has made the 6th arrondissement her home. Alix creates dinnerware and decoration, but with her focus on porcelain and sculpting. Her work is simple and elegant, made to last. She has also made her way into the jewelry world, and owning a couple of her pieces I can say that they are sublime!

Faïencerie de Gien

This pottery manufacturer is named after the city where it started – Gien! In fact, every stage of production is carried out exclusively at the manufacturing facility in this town, and has been since 1821. For the past 200 years, Faïencerie de Gien has grown to become the most renowned earthenware makers in Europe, with two locations currently (as of April 2024) in Paris (with one in the 6th arrondissement – just across the street from Alix D Reynis)!

Compagnie Française des Poivres et des Épices

This is a darling small store that packs a punch with its spices, salts, and herbs. Compagnie Française des Poivres et des Épices brings together spices from places like India, Turkey, Guatemala, and Vietnam and packages them in perfectly sized tins to take home for yourself or for a loved one (if you can manage to part with it!) The tins are beautifully displayed with cloches in front of them. Lift up these glass bell jars and turn them upwards towards your nose to reveal the heavenly aroma of a particular scent – the perfect way to determine what to purchase! Note that the spices are not chemically treated and they are ethically grown in places where the natural environment is respected.

Officine Universelle Buly

Another great place to buy a gift for someone (or for yourself) is Officine Universelle Buly. When you step into this store (hopefully without waiting on too long of a line, as it is quite popular and they do not let the store get overrun with people), you will be transported to what looks like an old apothecary. The walls are covered with body lotions, oils, and perfume, and there are staff members there to help you test out the products. There are also lip balms, combs, and brushes that are there for purchase – with the opportunity to personalize these items with engraving, embossing, or calligraphy so that each piece is truly unique. While Officine Universelle Buly has expanded due to an acquisition, the location in the 6th was the first of its kind.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Garden is a public park that was created in 1612 by Marie d’Medici to pair with the Luxembourg Palace, now home to the French Senate. There are beautiful flowerbeds, perfectly manicured lawns, and hidden paths throughout the garden. You can also play tennis, chess, or even rent remote control boats! (Fun fact: this is where we got engaged!)

Musée du Luxembourg

A lot of people know the Jardin du Luxembourg (mentioned above), but did you know that there is a museum in the Palais du Luxembourg? The idea for the museum first came about to prove to other countries that France was able to produce masterpieces itself to strengthen its museums’ collections. Thus in 1818, the first museum dedicated to living artists was approved. (When the creator died, the best work was transferred to the Louvre!) Nowadays, the Musée du Luxembourg presents two exhibitions per year, so check out the website first to see if a temporary collection interests you.

Saint-Sulpice Church

I would call this church a hidden gem if it weren’t so perfectly situated in the 6th arrondissement in plain sight. After all, how can it be that big of a secret when it is one of the largest churches in the city! However, despite the gorgeous prime location and how peaceful it is inside, there just aren’t a ton of tourists clamoring to visit Saint-Sulpice. Therefore, if you’d like to see a catholic church in Paris that isn’t Notre-Dame or Sainte-Chapelle, I would highly recommend a journey over to Saint-Sulpice. The large public square in front of the church, appropriately named Place Saint-Sulpice, is a wonderful spot to sit and people watch or eat some ice cream. Once you step through the church’s doors, you will see windows perched high that shine light upon the many wooden chairs below. Make sure you look behind you to see one of the most stunning organs I have ever seen. Fun fact: Victor Hugo got married in this church!

Enjoy discovering the 6th arrondissement of Paris!