At the juncture of some of Paris’ most popular neighborhoods, including the Saint Germain, Luxembourg and the Latin Quarter, no trip to Paris would be complete without a trip to the 6th.
Some of Paris’ most exciting spots for music, food and fun can be found in the “sixieme,” including major cultural and historic sights. Located on the Left Bank, the district can be roughly divided into three main areas, all of which figure prominently on any visitors “to do” map: the Saint Germain des Prés, Luxembourg, and the Latin Quarter.
St. Germain des Prés is an extension of the Latin Quarter and shares much of its allure. Although it resembles the Latin Quarter in its bohemian and artistic aspect, the flavor here is decidedly more chic. The many art galleries, interior decoration stores and theatres give it much to see and do. There are book stores to visit, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés and taverns.
In the post-war years, the chic St. Germain was a center of existentialism and bohemianism. Two of the most famous cafés in the world, Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are still here today. You may wish to make a habit of a morning coffee there from one of various apartments in Paris. Notable members of café literary society also lived here, including Camus and Sartre, while at night jazz clubs and cabarets were filled with people who had come to see Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Sidney Bechet. Just a few famous French singers who lived here or sang in the St. Germain’s clubs include Georges Brassens, Guy Béart, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour and Charles Trénet. As for rock history, the house on rue de Verneuil where Serge Gainsbourg lived has become both an icon and a shrine.
While staying in the 6th, you will find a great many sights and attractions near your Paris vacation rental. When you’re ready for some relaxation, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a shady, tranquil area you may wish to walk to for a little meditation. Generations of Parisians have grown up under the shade of its trees. The focal point of the gardens is the beautiful Palais du Luxembourg, which today is the home of the French Senate. This tranquil, statue-laden green space is truly a sight to behold, and will transport you to a place that feels thoroughly outside the stream of modern life.
The Palais du Luxembourg itself can only be visited one Saturday every month, and by reservation only. Entry is free. An ornate palace built for Marie de Medici in the early 1800s, it currently houses the French senate and is a fascinating destination if you are interested in the artistic and historical décor or the inner workings of the French government.
The Eglise St Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, was founded in the year 542 by the king Childebert. Famous burials here include philosopher René Descartes, poet Nicolas Boileau, and King John Casimir of Poland, who later became abbot of the church's monastery. Although most of the church today was constructed in the 11th century, when it was the center of a powerful Benedictine abbey, it contains an impressive mix of styles, with Romanesque arches, Gothic vaults and marble columns from the 6th century. During the Revolution, a majority of the monastic buildings were burned down and over three hundred priests killed by a mob. In the 1800s the church underwent a major restoration, helping to ensure the preservation of the building.
The Musée national Eugène Delacroix is the erstwhile studio and of the great Romantic painter, featuring works by the artist and exhibitions of his contemporaries' works. Delacroix inhabited this space from 1857 until his death in 1863.
When it comes to places to live, the “VIe arrondissement” is one of the most popular areas in all of Paris. After all, there's a bit of everything here. You will certainly see why from your Paris apartment rental 6th arrondissement.
In recent years, many luxury fashion brands have also located to the Saint Germain. The Rue de Rennes is a busy shopping district, and the rue du Cherche Midi offers a wonderful selection of independent boutiques. The 6th is also the home of Paris publishing and various antique print and book stores.
One of many available apartment rentals paris give you access to the shopping, history, culture and fun of this area.
And as a final note, although the 6th has always been seen as an intellectual center, its intellectual history is definitely not confined to the past. Many writers and artists still live here today.
