Curator’s statement
The 6th Arrondissement is Paris at its most refined—home to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Luxembourg Gardens, and boutiques that define Left Bank chic. It’s where I return again and again, because living in the 6ème makes you feel like a true Parisian.
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Things to do in Paris
Café de Flore in the Morning: Arrive before 9 am. Order the chocolat chaud—it’s thick, rich, and pure Paris. After 10:30 am, it’s mostly tourists.
Stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg: My favorite park in Paris; it’s the essence of the 6ème. A true Parisian is never seen in athletic clothes—save the gym gear for your hotel and walk here in chic flats or white sneakers.
Poilâne Bakery: Their apple tart is iconic. I love taking it to nearby Place Alphonse Deville, a little triangle park with benches just down the street.
Shopping at Le Bon Marché & La Grande Épicerie: Paris’ chicest department store and its food hall (basically Paris’ Erewhon). Must-buys to bring back: Mirabelles strawberry jam, a wooden spoon, moutarde d’Orléans, Maison Colibri madeleines, and all the kitchen linens you can fit in your suitcase.
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal: Right next to Le Bon Marché & La Grande Épicerie, this chapel is a hidden gem. Your hotel can provide the mass schedule. Even if you don’t speak French, it feels like attending art.
Fromagerie Barthélemy: A neighborhood institution. Ask for Comté—it’s my picnic pick for the Luxembourg Gardens.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
Les Deux Magots: A café with true literary history. Grab a glass of Sancerre and people-watch—then raise a quiet toast to Hemingway and Picasso, who once did the same here.
Brasserie Lipp: A Parisian institution since 1880. Skip the overthinking and order either the choucroute garnie or the steak tartare—those are the classics locals still go for.
Le Procope: The oldest café in Paris (1686). Yes, it can feel touristy, but the chandeliers, mirrors, and centuries of history make it worth at least one visit.
L’Avant Comptoir du Marché: Standing-room only, no tables. Unlimited bread, butter, and pickles with your wine and tapas. Everything is fresh—the tomato salad is shockingly good—and the staff speaks excellent English, making it an easy entry point into true Parisian apéro culture.
Bar Joséphine at Hotel Lutetia: Cocktails and live jazz in an elegant Art Deco setting. If you book the Lutetia through MC Experiences, you’ll enjoy credit perks here—perfect for starting the evening in style.
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: No menu, no stress. Just steak-frites with their cult-level secret sauce. Arrive by 7 pm or expect a line down the block—it’s that beloved.
Need to know
Walk, don’t rush.
Dress the part: Parisians don’t wear athletic clothes outside the gym. Think ballet flats, loafers, or crisp white sneakers—you’ll blend right in.
Café etiquette: One coffee buys you unlimited time. Don’t feel rushed.
Best hours: Mornings (before 10 am) are for quiet cafés and bakeries; evenings (6–8 pm) are for apéro hour when the terraces come alive.
Picnic like a local: Barthélemy cheese + Poilâne bread + wine from La Grande Épicerie = the perfect meal in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Souvenir tip: The best gifts aren’t Eiffel Tower keychains—they’re linens, jams, or soaps from Le Bon Marché and Fragonard. Practical, chic, and very Parisian.
Metro access: The neighborhood is easily reached via Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4) and Mabillon (Line 10). Walking, however, is the true luxury here.
Travel Advisor
Maria Chapman
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