Left Bank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Eiffel Tower showing a park, heritage elements and a monument
Champ de Mars featuring a park
Tour Montparnasse showing a city and cbd
Les Invalides which includes interior views
Left Bank

Paris offers different experiences on two sides of the city’s river. Meander along the left side with its cultural attractions revealing the soul of the city. 

Alongside the River Seine, Paris’ Rive Gauche or Left Bank has an artistic charm and is subtly less hectic than its opposite side. Visit the Left Bank to relax at a café and watch the metropolis in motion. Search for one of the establishments that historically were the haunts of famous poets, authors and philosophers.

Paris has multiple sectors, each with a character of its own. The 13th arrondissement or district has a section known as Rive Gauche. Look for its sprawling library, Bibliothèque Nationale François Mitterrand, and towers resembling open books. Plan for lively nightlife spilling from boats tied along the riverbank. Near the library a stunning footbridge, Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir, connects the two shores. Travel around using the driverless Météor, also known as Metro Line 14, which serves the area.

The northerly 7th arrondissement claims one of the world’s major attractions, the Eiffel Tower, built for the International Exposition of 1889, an early world’s fair. Also of great importance is the Musée Rodin, with displays such as The Thinker and The Kiss by the sculptor Auguste Rodin.

Visit Montparnasse in the 6th arrondissement and head a bit west to view a second Notre Dame, Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Travail de Plaisance, whose interior has vaulted steel arches that resemble the Eiffel Tower.

A trip to Cimetière du Montparnasse is an opportunity to see the burial place for many great philosophers and writers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Charles Baudelaire and Simone de Beauvoir.

Continue celebrating literary giants and historic figures by having refreshments in the bars and restaurants in St. Germain, 6th arrondissement. Voltaire and Napoleon Bonaparte frequently visited France’s oldest café, Le Procope, while Café Deux Magots and Café Flore have welcomed Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Albert Camus through their doors.

A visit to the Left Bank while in Paris is a must.

Where to stay in Left Bank

French Academy which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and signage

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Check out top attractions like Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Place Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and jump on the metro at Mabillon Station or Saint-Germain-des-Pres Station to see more of the city.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
6th Arrondissement featuring a statue or sculpture and a park

6th Arrondissement

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in 6th Arrondissement. Check out top attractions like Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Sulpice Church, and jump on the metro at Saint-Sulpice Station or Mabillon Station to see more of the city.

6th Arrondissement
Quartier Latin featuring street scenes

Latin Quarter

4.5/5(272 area reviews)

Enjoy the charming cafes in Latin Quarter. Panthéon is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Paris Luxembourg Station or Cluny - La Sorbonne Station to see more of Paris.

Latin Quarter
Latin Quarter - Pantheon which includes a fountain and heritage elements

5th Arrondissement

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Travellers love 5th Arrondissement for its charming cafes, and you can see more of Paris by jumping on the metro at Maubert-Mutualité Metro Station or Cardinal Lemoine Metro Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Panthéon and Rue Mouffetard.

5th Arrondissement
Default Image

Sorbonne

Consider exploring the stunning river views in Sorbonne. If sightseeing is on the list, Panthéon is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Maubert-Mutualité Metro Station or Cluny - La Sorbonne Station to see more of the area.

Sorbonne
Montparnasse featuring a garden and a city

Montparnasse

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Travellers choose Montparnasse for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Raspail Station or Edgar Quinet Metro Station and check out top sights like Place Denfert-Rocherau.

Montparnasse
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp6.278.941 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp6.278.941
Rp7.227.501 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Paris. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,333 reviews)
"Everything was great overall"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
14 Rue Du Theatre, Paris, Paris
The price is Rp2.697.800 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
Rp2.697.800
Rp3.288.246 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (499 reviews)
"Housekeeping only comes in once a week unless requested. Room is large. AC is weak. Internet and public trans was excellent. Beds were comfy"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
61 Quai De Grenelle, Paris, Paris
The price is Rp2.915.142 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp2.915.142
Rp3.527.322 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Paris. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,033 reviews)
"Great staff!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

4 out of 5
14 Rue Du Theatre, Paris, Paris
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (499 reviews)
"Housekeeping only comes in once a week unless requested. Room is large. AC is weak. Internet and public trans was excellent. Beds were comfy"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris

4 out of 5
53 Ter Quai des Grands Augustins, Paris, Paris
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,592 reviews)
"The hotel is excellent and conveniently located to most of the major attractions. The staff are all very friendly and always willing to help."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris
Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris

Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris

4 out of 5
132 Boulevard De Grenelle, Paris, Paris
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Paris. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,411 reviews)
"The location near by subway station was the best. There are many restaurants and stores near the hotel was also awesome. Only one elevator was able to work during staying in the hotel was uncomfortable a bit, but other than that was mostly great."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Left Bank