6th Arrondissement of Paris: Best Hotels & Neighborhood Guide

👉 Jump to: Meet the 6th Arrondissement | Best 6th Arrondissement Hotels | Areas to Stay | Tips | FAQ

When most people are planning their stay in Paris, a few things come to mind: museums, cafés, gardens, and cobblestoned streets. You’ll find all of these—and much more—in the 6th arrondissement! This was the first place I ever stayed in Paris, during a family visit. But it’s come to represent classic Paris to millions of other travelers, as well.

On the Left Bank, the 6th arrondissement runs from the Seine River in the north to the bottom of the Jardin du Luxembourg in the south. The gardens form its eastern border. To the west, it’s bordered by the Rue de Sèvres. 

The hotels in the 6th arrondissement truly offer something for everyone. If you love the high life, the Hotel Lutetia is for you. The marble bathrooms and balcony views showing the Eiffel Tower are just the start of its luxury! Meanwhile, lovers of history will adore L’Hôtel, where Oscar Wilde spent his last days.

From historic hotels to royal fountains, luxury hotels to tiny pedestrian streets, the 6th is truly Paris at its most classic. Is it the right place for you to stay? Here’s what you need to know when deciding whether to pick the 6th!

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Meet the 6th Arrondissement: Paris’s Most Classic Neighborhood

❤️ Why We Love the 6th: Many of Paris’s neighborhoods have a variety of attractions. But the 6th arrondissement truly has a wealth of the best attractions in Paris. It’s great if you love green spaces, luxury, small boutiques, historic cafés, and much more.

The heart of the 6th is the Luxembourg Gardens. These take up around a quarter of the area to the southeast. Once exclusively for royals, they’re now open to the public. Explore everything from the famous Medici Fountain to a marionette theater!

The 6th doesn’t lack museums, either. You’ll find one devoted to the work of painter Eugène Delacroix. Meanwhile, at the Zadkine Museum, you can explore the home and studio of 20th-century sculptor Ossip Zadkine. 

The area is also full of architectural delights. The churches alone are incredible. You’ll find the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church in the district to which it gives its name. Closer to the Luxembourg Gardens, you’ll find the enormous Saint-Sulpice. 

If you’re looking for Paris at its most luxe, you won’t be disappointed in the 6th! Shopping streets like the Rue de Rennes are treasure troves for luxury hunters. Meanwhile, you can find celebrity hotspots like the Café de Flore here. Plus, the area’s top-tier hotels have few rivals in the city!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who This Neighborhood Is For: If you’re looking for Parisian beauty and attractions, the 6th is a great choice for where to stay in Paris. This is particularly true if you don’t mind paying a little extra. However, budget options are available for those who know where to look!

Fans of Parisian history and politics will find a lot to love in this area. It’s home to the Luxembourg Palace: once a royal home and now the seat of the French Senate. The area was a former hotspot for writers and artists, particularly of the Lost Generation. Cafés like Les Deux Magots (temporarily closed) served as their meeting places. 

Art lovers won’t despair here, either. The 6th doesn’t have a ton of museums, but many are within walking distance. The Musée d’Orsay is just past the western edge of the district. The Louvre Museum is just across the river. And the 5th arrondissement, with its wealth of smaller museums, is to the east.

The 6th arrondissement is also a great choice if you want a combination of bustling streets and more peaceful neighborhoods. The areas near the river can be fairly busy. However, once you move southeast, the energy calms down. This is one of the reasons that choosing the right neighborhood is so important!

📍Areas in the 6th: Each of Paris’s 20 arrondissements is divided into four quarters. These generally have distinct energies—and this is also true in the 6th! From the northwest going clockwise, the 6th’s quarters are: 

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• La Monnaie
• L’Odéon
• Notre-Dame-des-Champs

🚲 Getting Around the 6th: The 6th arrondissement is a paradise for walkers. If you’re planning on using Paris transportation a lot, look for hotels close to Métro and bus stations. They are not always easy to find in every area of the district, especially near the river. 

If you look at a map of the 6th, you’ll soon realize that the Luxembourg Gardens account for a huge area within it. This is wonderful if you’re looking for a place to run or stroll. If you’re planning on continually walking across them, though, realize that it will take a fair amount of time. 

The 6th has many wide boulevards that make walking easy for people with most abilities. However, many of its side streets have cobblestones or uneven ground. Look closely at maps and Google Street View if you have a disability that makes walking difficult. 

Best Places to Stay in the 6th Arrondissement

If you’re short on time, these are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel –  Hotel Lutetia, Notre-Dame-des-Champs
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel Luxembourg Parc, L’Odéon
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Villa-des-Prés, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris, La Monnaie
• 💻 Best for Business –Millésime Hôtel, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Hôtel Recamier, L’Odéon
• 💆🏻‍♀️ Best Hotel with Spa – Hôtel D’Aubusson, La Monnaie
• 📖Most Historic –  L’Hôtel, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Académie Hôtel, Saint-Germain-des-Prés

These hotels are in different areas. But as you’ll see when you visit the 6th, they can feel like they’re in different worlds. The 6th arrondissement is so varied that it’s important to think carefully about which neighborhood you’ll stay in. 

Here’s what you need to know about each quarter of the 6th. 

Areas to Stay in the 6th Arrondissement

I mentioned that the 6th has something for everyone—and it does—but you have to know where to look! Whether you want quiet luxury or raving nightlife, you can find it in one of the quarters of this area. Here are the details you should know.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

👉 Best Area For History  | ✨ Best Saint-Germain-des-Prés Hotels: Hotel La Villa Saint Germain Des Prés • Villa-des-Prés • Millésime Hôtel • L’Hôtel • Académie Hôtel

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter is in the northwest of the 6th arrondissement. Its northern border is the river. From there, it goes down to the Rue de Four. Its eastern and western borders are the Rue Mazarine and the Rue des Saints-Pères. 

This quarter is generally expensive. It contains high-end shops, from Yves Saint-Laurent to Ladurée (macarons). However, it’s so much more than shopping. This area has a ton of history. The Lost Generation and French philosophers worked at cafés on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. 

I recommend the evening concerts at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church for an unusual way to see the building. Make sure to book in advance to reserve your spot. This 11th-century abbey is also where philosopher René Descartes is buried. 

Saint-Germain has so many great hotels. You’ll find yourself with a wealth of choices! My top luxury hotel, Villa-des-Prés, is in this quarter. Its amenities will blow you away. They include an indoor pool, fitness center, spa, and sauna. The hotel also offers room service, which is unusual in Paris. Alternatively, stay at Académie Hôtel for a no-frills, budget-friendly option.

Business travelers, on the other hand, may prefer the Millésime Hôtel. This hotel is so accommodating to its business travelers that it offers free access to calls in Europe and the U.S. from a lobby phone!

Meanwhile, L’Hôtel is famous as Oscar Wilde’s last residence. However, the chic hotel is gorgeously decorated and has a fun bar. It’s also in the center of the action, surrounded by many restaurants and attractions.

Pros of Staying in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighborhood:

• Many popular attractions
• Charming streets
• Centrally located

Cons of Staying in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighborhood:

• Expensive and crowded attractions
• Noisy on larger streets

La Monnaie

👉 Best Area For Budget Travel | ✨ Best La Monnaie Hotels: Hôtel D’Aubusson • Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris • Hôtel Saint-André des Arts

The La Monnaie Quarter is situated between Saint-Germain to the west and La Sorbonne (in the 5th) to the east. Its northern and southern borders are the Seine River and the Rue de l’École de Médecine. 

This comparatively small quarter is packed full of fascinating attractions. You’ll find the Academie Française, the main body responsible for the French language, here. You’ll also find La Monnaie de Paris, a museum focused on the minting of coins. 

Despite the focus on coins that gives the area its name, it can be surprisingly affordable. You’ll find a range of restaurants here, from the pricey to the cheap. The same is true for bars. Meanwhile, I love it for the amount of energy it packs into its narrow streets. 

For a small area, La Monnaie offers an incredible hotel selection. My favorite hotel with a spa is here: the Hôtel D’Aubusson. Its indoor swimming pool, jazz bar, fountain, and luxe decor only make it more appealing!

If you’re traveling with a family, check out the Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris. A lot of family-friendly hotels offer neutral, even boring, decor. Not here! The charming rooms come in many different sizes with different bed offerings. Family rooms are available, and there’s an airport shuttle. 

I named La Monnaie the best budget area for travelers, and I wasn’t kidding! You’ll also find the best budget hotel in the area here, Hôtel Saint-André des Arts. Depending on when you visit Paris, you can snag a room here for less than 200€ a night, which is a true deal in Paris.

Pros of Staying in the La Monnaie Neighborhood:

• Close to the river
• Inexpensive hotels and restaurants
• Close to museums and green spaces
• Many sites are easily walkable

Cons of Staying in La Monnaie Neighborhood:

• Driving can be almost impossible
• Few major attractions 

L’Odéon

👉 Best Area For Exploring  | ✨ Best L’Odéon Hotels: Hôtel Recamier • Résidence & Spa Le Prince Régent • Hotel Luxembourg Parc

You’ll find L’Odéon running from the Boulevard Saint-Germain in the north to the bottom of the Luxembourg Gardens in the south. But this area is so much more than the park! 

In the streets north of the park, you’ll find a ton of bookshops and unique boutiques. You’ll also find the Théâtre de l’Odéon, showing classic and contemporary plays. The Place de l’Odéon itself is home to movie theaters and restaurants. You’ll also find great transport links at the Odéon station.

The “Quartier de L’Odéon” covers such a huge area that its hotels are no surprise: they have a ton of different perks. At the Hotel Luxembourg Parc, you’ll get to stay on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens. The hotel has the perfect combination of period décor and modern amenities. Its fitness center and soundproofing are just two!

Meanwhile, the Hôtel Recamier is the best boutique hotel in the 6th. Its luxury fabrics, canopy beds, and courtyard offer a peaceful retreat from the busy city. The free daily tea in the afternoon is the kind of personal touch that makes this hotel so popular.

Pros of Staying in the L’Odéon Neighborhood:

• Tons of restaurants and bars
• Many transport links
• Great hotel choices
• Easy access to the Luxembourg Gardens

Cons of Staying in the L’Odéon Neighborhood:

• Can get very crowded
• Driving is very difficult

Notre-Dame-des-Champs

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Notre-Dame-des-Champs Hotels: Hotel Lutetia • Bonsoir Madame • Victoria Palace Hotel

The upscale Notre-Dame-des-Champs area borders the Luxembourg Gardens to the west. It’s one of my favorite places to stay in Paris for the beauty of its neighborhoods. It also gives you great, walkable access to the rest of the 6th and the neighboring 7th arrondissement. 

This is the best place to stay in the 6th if you’re looking for a more spacious feeling. There are wide boulevards and shopping streets, like the Rue des Rennes. Compared to the northern parts of the 6th, you’ll find more room to breathe. 

Notre-Dame-des-Champs isn’t the area to stay if you want wild nightlife. However, it isn’t far from more bustling districts, like Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It is fairly large, so plan on walking or finding good bus routes from your accommodation. 

When it comes to Notre-Dame-des-Champs, one hotel comes to mind: the Hotel Lutetia. This world-renowned hotel has incredible offerings. Its amenities include a fitness center, spa, steam room, and indoor pool. Bathrooms are marble, and some have balconies with great views. Book a suite with rooftop terrace access for some of the best views in Paris!

Pros of Staying in the Notre-Dame-des-Champs Neighborhood:

• Upscale neighborhood
• Easy access to Luxembourg Gardens
• Fewer visitors than other areas of the 6th
• Excellent shopping

Cons of Staying in Notre-Dame-des-Champs Neighborhood:

• Large area with some districts far from attractions
• Few restaurant choices and very few bars
• Few attractions within the quarter

Tips & Things to Know about the 6th Arrondissement

#1 – Enjoy Daily Parisian Life

When you’re in an area with so many Paris attractions, it’s easy to get caught up hopping from one to the other. But one of my favorite parts of the 6th is its places dedicated to daily life. Stop to take a breath during your trip. People-watch from a garden, or have a café crème at a local café. You’ll enjoy the attractions all the more when you soak in local life!

📚 Related Reading: Restaurants in Paris

#2 – Walk as Much as Possible

The 6th arrondissement can be tricky to navigate using public transportation. There are a lot of buses here as well as RER stops that make getting to the airport convenient. However, the north-to-south axis of the area lacks a lot of easy options. If you’re staying here, my advice is to bring your walking shoes!

#3 – Popular Attractions are Crowded

Like the Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the 6th has a great reputation among visitors. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to visit popular attractions! Look at popular days and hours on Google before your visit to avoid them. I recently went to the Café de Flore only to find a line for a table halfway down the long block!

#4 – Transport Links are Crucial

Unless you plan to focus your trip exclusively on the 6th, look at how close your accommodations are to bus and Métro stations before booking. This is particularly true if walking long distances is uncomfortable or impossible for you. It’s possible to find well-situated hotels in the area, so search for ones that are connected to sites you plan to see.

#5 – The Luxembourg Gardens are Big!

As with parks in many cities, the Luxembourg Gardens look smaller on a map than they are in person. Depending on how quickly you walk, it could take half an hour or more to cross them from north to south. Ensure extra time for this to make your Paris itinerary more efficient.

FAQs

Is the 6th arrondissement safe for tourists?

The 6th arrondissement has a very high crime rate for burglaries and thefts. Practice good Paris safety during your stay. Using a hotel safe for valuables and wearing a closable cross-body bag are just two ways. However, the 6th has some of the lowest rates in the city of violent crimes. 

Where should I stay in the 6th arrondissement?

The best place to stay in the 6th arrondissement is the Notre-Dame-des-Champs area. This area has an upscale, everyday Parisian feeling. At the same time, you can walk to the main attractions of both the 6th and 7th arrondissements. However, you won’t be overwhelmed by other visitors.

Is the 6th arrondissement good to stay in?

The 6th arrondissement is a great area to stay in, especially for a first-time visit. You’ll be surrounded by famous Parisian attractions. At the same time, you can get a taste of everyday Parisian life. 

What’s special about the 6th arrondissement?

The 6th arrondissement is known for its beauty and, in particular, for the Luxembourg Gardens. It’s also home to famous cafés such as Les Deux Magots. In addition, it’s famous for some of its hotels, such as the Hotel Lutetia and L’Hôtel. 

Is the 6th arrondissement expensive?

The 6th arrondissement is expensive, but this varies significantly by quarter. Very generally, you’re more likely to find bargains in the northern part of the L’Odéon area and La Monnaie. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Notre-Dame-des-Champs are generally more expensive.

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Thanks for reading about the 6th! If you’re wondering about other places to stay, read my guide to Paris neighborhoods next. For even more info, check out my other Paris guides!